NEWS RELEASE
Albert
Hawkins
Executive Commissioner
Date: October 1, 2004
Contact: Stephanie Goodman, (512) 424-6951
Review Outlines Priorities for Improving Child Protective
Services
90 day CPS Report
AUSTIN – Reducing caseloads and retaining experienced investigators are
among six priorities for improving the state’s Child Protective Services
(CPS) program, according to a report released today by the Texas Health
and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
“Our review documented the effects of high caseloads and high turnover,
particularly among CPS investigators,” said Texas Health and Human Services
Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins. “All too often, these factors result
in cases being closed too early or without sufficient follow-up. Children
are being left in harm’s way, and that must change.”
The implementation plan, available at www.hhs.state.tx.us,
was developed after a July 2 executive order by Gov. Rick Perry directed
HHSC to review and reform CPS. The program is a division of the Department
of Family and Protective Services, which falls under the oversight of
HHSC.
As part of the review, the Office of Inspector General examined 2,221
CPS investigations statewide. The review found that:
- In more than half of the 583 investigations where action was needed,
caseworkers failed to maintain contact with the children, failed to
consult with their supervisor or failed to provide all needed services
to protect the children.
- At least one child was left in a life-threatening situation in 152
of the cases reviewed. At least one child remained in a state of abuse
or neglect without appropriate action by the caseworker in 425 of the
cases.
- In 43 percent of the investigations, the allegations were similar
to those made in a previously closed case for that child.
In addition to the Office of Inspector General review, HHSC also examined
trends in CPS caseloads, turnover and tenure. Caseloads for CPS investigators
have increased 28 percent since September 2001, and the turnover rate
for new CPS caseworkers is 40 percent. The turnover rate for new investigators
is even higher, exceeding 50 percent.
Based on the initial review, HHSC identified six priorities for improving
CPS: reduce caseloads, ensure a well-trained workforce, retain experienced
staff, ensure compliance with policies and procedures, develop effective
community partnerships and focus on child-centered outcomes.
As a result of the review, HHSC implemented a rapid response plan to
immediately strengthen CPS. The actions outlined in the plan include:
- CPS will escalate the hiring of 123 new caseworkers. The agency received
authorization for 356 new positions during the last legislative session
to be phased-in over the biennium.
- Incentive payments will be used to retain experienced caseworkers
in CPS investigation units. Tenured CPS workers who stay or move back
into investigations will be eligible for $3,000 after 12 months of service
with those units.
- CPS investigators will be trained in the use of forensic photography
with digital cameras by Nov. 1, 2004. This will provide supervisors
with better information, improve documentation for pursuing legal actions,
and enhance information for medical consultants involved in the case.
- CPS caseworkers have been directed to refer families unwilling to
take the steps needed to protect their children to local prosecutors
for appropriate legal action. Such legal actions could include obtaining
a court order to require parents to participate in services or placing
the child in foster care.
- All CPS managers have been instructed that an independent review
will be required to close cases involving younger children, particularly
those 3 and under, when abuse and neglect cannot be ruled out.
- HHSC is working with the Department of Family and Protective Services
to provide caseworkers with access to medical professionals for immediate
consultation on cases.
The HHSC report noted that state leaders added 648 caseworkers to the
CPS staff over the past four legislative sessions. However, the report
cautioned: “It appears that a critical shortage of caseworkers contributes
to many of the documented problems. Additional resources will be necessary
for CPS to meet its responsibility to protect Texas’ children.”
HHSC will continue its review of CPS and will bring in national expertise
on child welfare programs to evaluate the results and to provide guidance
on more sweeping reforms. A final report on CPS is due to the governor
by Dec. 31.
“Governor Perry directed us to initiate the reforms necessary to protect
Texas children from abuse and neglect,” Hawkins said. “We take that responsibility
very seriously. We are completing a comprehensive review of Child Protective
Services, and I expect the results to provide lawmakers and the agency
with a roadmap for meaningful changes that will improve the protection
of Texas children.”
HHSC established a hotline for the public to report complaints about
CPS cases and procedures. The number is 877-787-8999. To report suspected
abuse or neglect, call 800-252-5400.
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