Gran Jurado del Condado de Kern

2013-2014

3 informes

From the annual report
The consolidated year-end volume. The individual investigations it contains are listed separately below.
📑 Year-End Report
View the full annual report (PDF)
The full consolidated volume; individual reports are listed below.
Individual reports (3)
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 11 hallazgos
F1: The outdoor Center sign is unattractive and does not look professional.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1: The outdoor sign should be refurbished. (Finding 1)
F2: The 10 minute introductory video that gives a virtual tour of the facility may be outdated. It is designed to explain to the children that they are not alone.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2: The 10-minute introductory video should be updated. (Findings 2)
F3: The décor in the recreation rooms and the children’s bedrooms is not inviting.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R3: The wood furniture in the recreation rooms needs regular maintenance. (Finding 3)
R4: Children’s rooms are plain and cheerless. (Finding 3)
F4: The cafeteria serves 1,000 meals each month. Children receive three meals and two snacks each day. The Health Department has rated the kitchen A for the current year.
F5: The building has closed circuit cameras but only one monitor. The monitor is not under constant surveillance nor are the activities recorded. COMMENTS: The Center provides food, shelter and safety for children at risk. A previous Grand Jury Report recommended that injections be given only by the RN. Staff has been trained to give oral medications and log the medications in the charts. Medications are kept in a locked cabinet inside a locked room. The room is furnished with a locked Dutch door so that the person inside can see out the top half while the children outside cannot enter through the bottom half. The Center is now in compliance with the previous Grand Jury
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R5: As funding becomes available surveillance equipment should be utilized to record activities. The County Counsel considers it “best practice” for each client to have a photograph on file. (Finding 5) NOTES: The Center should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury, click on: Sign up for early releases. Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed through the Kern County Library system and the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS TO: (for a Public Agency) PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 cc: TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 05/27/2014 JESS DIAMOND CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTER PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: The California Penal Codes §§925 and 933 authorize the Grand Jury to investigate and report on the various departments throughout Kern County. The Health, Education and Social Services Committee (Committee) made a visit to inquire into the management and operation of the Jess Diamond Child Assessment Center (Center) located at 1010 Shalimar Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93306. PROCESS: After preparation conducted by online research, the Committee visited the Center on September 26, 2013, where a tour was conducted by the Program Director and a Social Worker. BACKGROUND/FACTS: A. “The concept of the Center is the vision of local community leaders, particularly Dr. Jess Diamond, who, several years ago, expressed their commitment to providing more efficient and effective services to the children in Kern County.” In September 1993 the Kern County Board of Supervisors approved the concept of a centralized, child friendly interviewing site for child victims of sexual abuse. The Department of Human Services was authorized to assume the lead in developing a multi-disciplinary team and protocol for the program. B. The Mission Statement of the Jess Diamond Child Assessment Center is: “To provide child abuse victims a safe environment where their needs for protection, emotional support, and/or medical attention can be met through coordinated abuse investigation and integrated social, mental health, and health services.” C. The Revised Jess Diamond Multi-Disciplinary Team Protocol Agreement says: “The Child Assessment Center is a partnership of the City of Bakersfield Police Department, the Kern County Department of Human Services and Mental Health, Kern County Probation Department Victim Witness Assistance Program, Kern Medical Center, the Office of the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Department, the A. Miriam Jamison Children’s Center Foundation and the community of Kern County.” D. The goals of the Center are: 1. “As a multi-disciplinary child assessment team, to treat children with dignity and respect while minimizing their trauma from child abuse by limiting interviews and conducting investigations in a coordinated manner. This is achieved by: • Providing a centralized and coordinated forensic interviewing site for social service, law enforcement and/or medical personnel involved in the investigation of child abuse. • Coordinating contacts for personnel in social services, law enforcement and other investigative agencies. • Providing a non-threatening and child-friendly site for forensic medical examinations of sexual and/or physical abuse and neglect victims. • Providing crisis intervention for child victims and their families in addition to mental health and medical services. 2. Services are integrated by coordinating child abuse investigation and prevention efforts of multi-disciplinary agencies with public and private support. 3. Establish a mechanism and system to collect, store and retrieve data for evaluation and policy development and improve service delivery to child abuse victims.” E. Kern County Department of Human Services (KCDHS) provides funds for structure and equipment. F. The Kern County District Attorney provides funding for all medical exams. G. A pediatrician works the first week of each month. The doctor also works Monday and Tuesday of each subsequent week of the month in addition to maintaining a private practice. H. Kern Medical Center (KMC) pays for one Registered Nurse (RN). The RN conducts exams of female patients when the doctor is unavailable or the patient does not wish to be examined by a male. The RN is taking additional training in forensic interviews.
F6: Each child chooses a new stuffed toy to keep. The presence of the toy may help put the child at ease. The toys are donated by the community at large and collected at the Condors Hockey Team Annual Teddy Bear Toss.
F7: The lobby of the Center is peaceful and well maintained. Nothing visible in the room showed what to expect or the responsibility of each person in the Center. Two clerical staff members greet visitors with friendliness and a helpful attitude. Toys, games and television keep the children entertained while waiting to be interviewed. COMMENTS: The Jess Diamond Child Assessment Center is a warm and comforting place for traumatized children, families and friends and is a quiet oasis in the midst of chaos.
F8: The Affordable Care Act will bring changes to the number of patients being served. KCMH has prepared for this by concentrating on early intervention when illnesses are more tractable and treatment is less costly. The cost of maintaining one California State Hospital bed for psychiatric patients is in excess of $240,000 per year. The cost may exceed $330,000 in the near future. COMMENTS: The Committee thanks the Director of Mental Health, the Administrator of Crisis Services and Staff for the gracious cooperation during visits. The Committee also expresses thanks for patience with endless phone calls and questions. The Committee commends the Director of Mental Health and Staff for a well- functioning department that manages with far too little resources. The positive attitude of all employees reflects a deep commitment to care for people in need. The Consumer Family Learning Center is to be commended for enthusiasm and willingness to be innovative. Staff and volunteers show incredible dedication to the consumers.
F9: The Station’s current focus is opening opportunities for students interested in agricultural careers.
F10: The Station operates on a budget of $365,000 annually. The Kern County Board of Supervisors allotted $200,000 for improvements to infrastructure. Lease income from tenants is used to offset operating costs. COMMENTS: HESS wishes to thank the General Manager for his enthusiasm, knowledge and kindness. All questions were answered graciously and without delay. During the guided tour, staff and tenants were open to all questions, eagerly discussed projects and made the Committee feel welcome.
F24: F6. The Kern County Suicide Hotline receives in excess of 2,200 calls per month. The hotline is staffed by recovery specialists, substance abuse counselors and volunteers. Each has received at least 40 hours of specialized training. Twelve paid staff members answer the hotline along with other duties. Twenty-seven volunteers also answer the hotline. Patients without means are never turned away. F7. The Consumer Family Learning Center (CFLC) is open for adults ages 18 and older recovering from mental illness, substance abuse or both. • There is a staff of eight full-time employees and over 30 active volunteers. The Board of Directors includes consumers who are members for a one- year term. • The CFLC offers GED classes, socialization activities, cooking classes, art classes, quilting, computer lessons and other pre-employment skills. • Many of the groups are led by peers or volunteers. • There are two satellite support centers, one in Ridgecrest and one in Tehachapi. • Lack of community recognition indicates limited publicity/public relations. F8. The Affordable Care Act will bring changes to the number of patients being served. KCMH has prepared for this by concentrating on early intervention when illnesses are more tractable and treatment is less costly. The cost of maintaining one California State Hospital bed for psychiatric patients is in excess of $240,000 per year. The cost may exceed $330,000 in the near future. COMMENTS: The Committee thanks the Director of Mental Health, the Administrator of Crisis Services and Staff for the gracious cooperation during visits. The Committee also expresses thanks for patience with endless phone calls and questions. The Committee commends the Director of Mental Health and Staff for a well- functioning department that manages with far too little resources. The positive attitude of all employees reflects a deep commitment to care for people in need. The Consumer Family Learning Center is to be commended for enthusiasm and willingness to be innovative. Staff and volunteers show incredible dedication to the consumers.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 12 hallazgos
F1: The City has a population of over 53,000. Delano is the second largest city in Kern County with an increase of 33% over the past 10 years.
F2: The City Manager has been in office a little more than two years and has worked for the City for six years.
F3: The City has a two year budget of $60 million and is audited every year by an outside auditor. An audit was being performed at the time the Committee visited.
F4: The primary source of revenue for the City is from property and sales tax.
F5: A previous Grand Jury report stated a new Market Place was to open and would provide 3,600 new jobs. However, due to litigation the opening has been delayed.
F6: The City has five regulation soccer fields. The Recreation Department oversees the 20 acre soccer park and rents the fields to clubs and organizations.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1: The City should update the Municipal Code. (Finding 6) NOTES: The City of Maricopa should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury, click on: Sign up for early releases. Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed through the Kern County Library system and the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS TO: PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 cc: TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 6 87
F7: The City has three high schools, four middle schools and 11 elementary schools. Three Resource Officers rotate between the schools and a school safety committee meets every month. The City has a curfew policy for students being found walking the streets between the hours of 7:30 am and 2:30 pm. Students will be detained if found during those hours.
F8: A local casino provides $170,000 in revenue per year to the City.
F9: The City contracts with the County of Kern for fire service and is extremely pleased with the performance, however, the City feels there is an overcharge for the service at three million dollars a year.
F10: The City employs 88 Police Officers. A new police station is under construction and will open in the near future.
F11: The Community Correctional Facility is due to re-open in December 2013 and will employ additional staff. The Facility will be owned and operated by the City under the direction of the Police Chief. COMMENTS: The City Manager stated the City has plans to continue to grow with new commercial, industrial and housing developments. There are good schools and a variety of activities for seniors and teens. The Committee thanks the staff for the time and hospitality provided. The Committee came away with a lot of information and a feeling of accomplishment in knowing the City is well groomed and prepared for growth.
F12: A new complex for seniors is being built at California Avenue and Q Street and should be completed in 2014. Another complex is being built on Baker Street for low income families. COMMENTS: The Committee was impressed though somewhat overwhelmed by the many and varied programs available. The Housing Authority of the County of Kern works diligently to provide adequate housing to low income and impoverished people in spite of numerous financial cutbacks. The HACK agency is consistent with payments to landlords in 900 units of public housing. There is a difference between Public Housing and a pilot program titled Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). Selected Public Housing developments can leave the Public Housing program and convert to RAD. The RAD program is a federal government HUD pilot project that provides project rental assistance and makes loans for remodeling. The HACK agency applied to RAD for a 70 unit development and was chosen to participate. The development was constructed in the 1940’s and was in desperate need of improvements. Through RAD the development will be sold to a limited partnership and the project will acquire tax credits and tax-exempt bond financing. Residents will benefit after $40,000 worth of work in each unit is completed. The units will be preserved as affordable housing for many years to come. The Committee wishes to thank the Director for time and information presented. The Committee attempted to create a report that will reflect some of the very positive programs of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 24 hallazgos
F1: The Clerk is the Administrative Assistant to the Board. (cid:127) First point of contact for the Board.
F2: Maintains a system for managing appointments to over 70 Commissions/Committees comprised of over 550 Appointees under the authority of the Board.
F3: The Clerk works in excess of 60 hours per week.
F4: Salaries and benefits account for 97% of the Budget.
F5: Video Tape Program of the Board meetings is a $32,000 yearly expenditure.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4: The Board should make an attempt to allow public access by opening field offices and/or video conferencing in the outlying areas of the County: Taft, Frazier Park, Buttonwillow and Wasco. (Finding 5) NOTES: The Kern County Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury and click on: Sign up for early releases. Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS TO: PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 cc: TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 4 4 09/30/2014 06/13/2014
F6: All e-mails received for the Board are reviewed and forwarded to the Board and/or appropriate Departments.
F7: The Office is in the process of going paperless for Board Agendas and minutes with planned completion by the end of 2013.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3: Develop software to track the Board’s Committee/Commission appointments. (Finding 7) NOTES: The Kern County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury, and click on: Sign up for early releases. Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS TO: PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT ND 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, 2 FLOOR BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 cc: TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301
F8: Due to County budget constraints one position has been eliminated over the past five years.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1: The Board needs to provide funding for one temporary position until the paperless system is in place. (cid:127) If the paperless system does not alleviate the workload, as anticipated by the Department, make the temporary position permanent. (Finding 7, Finding 8)
F9: All claims against the County are received and forwarded to County Counsel.
F10: Seven year old computers were replaced in 2012.
F11: KERN COUNTY ADMINSTRATIVE PROCEDURE MANUAL, states in Chapter 7, Information Technology Services Procedure, KERN COUNTY TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS, Section I. HARDWARE, C. Desktop Computers, §5. Replacement Period: Desktop computers must be replaced after no more than five years of service. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury wishes to thank the Clerk of the Board and staff for an informative visit, follow up and full cooperation.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2: Adhere to existing County Policy on mandated replacement of desktop computers. (Finding 11)
F12: In some cases employees facing disciplinary charges may file for Work Comp to avoid or delay discipline.
F13: Risk Manager does not adjust Work Comp cases.
F14: At the beginning level, disciplinary claims are handled by Department Heads then coordinated with the Employment Law Team: • If a law suit is filed it is assigned to the Litigation Team • Very few employment cases go to trial
F15: The County Counsel and the Chief Deputies all work between 40 and 65 hours per week.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R5: Additional Support Staff is needed to allow Attorneys to litigate and spend less time on Support Staff duties. (Findings 15 and 17) COMMENTS: The Office of the County Counsel is an extremely well organized and efficient Department of the County. The Staff is made up of very dedicated Attorneys, Paralegals and Support Staff. Many Attorneys are earning less than they could earn in private practice. The Department has saved the County huge amounts of money by working on cases in-house rather than using outside Attorneys, except as necessary. The Jury believes the above recommendations should be acted on in a timely manner in order to benefit the Office of the County Counsel. NOTES: The County of Kern, Office of the County Counsel, should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury, and click on: Sign up for early releases. Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS TO: PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 cc: TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301
F16: The Risk Manager retired while this report was being written. This has resulted in a temporary reassignment of two Chief Deputies in the County Counsel Office: • Employment Law Chief Deputy is temporarily responsible to oversee Work Comp and the Safety Program with assistance from a Deputy County Counsel from the Advisory Team • Litigation Chief Deputy is temporarily responsible for General Liability Claims oversight
F17: There is a lack of support staff to perform copying, filing and other clerical duties in the County Counsel Office. Attorneys are performing many clerical activities in order to complete assignments.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1: The Board needs to provide funding for one temporary position until the paperless system is in place. (cid:127) If the paperless system does not alleviate the workload, as anticipated by the Department, make the temporary position permanent. (Finding 7, Finding 8)
F18: One purpose of the Advisory Team is to track all Ordinances and Resolutions and ensure they are delivered to the Clerk of the Board.
F19: Insufficient number of conference/hearing rooms has created delays for Attorneys in conducting their normal business in a timely manner.
F20: Attorneys on the Advisory Team are given Primary and Back-up assignments to represent every Department, Board, Commission and Committee of the County.
F21: Of all the contracts reviewed by the Advisory Team 99% are returned to the respective Departments within 10 days.
F22: Files Restraining Orders on behalf of employees.
F23: The Employment Law Team processes an average of 20-25 claims which are filed for violence in the work place.
F98: • In 1995, a 1% formula was set by the State to determine the amount of funds to be sent to the ERAF. J. In 1995, the County and the incorporated cities of Kern County signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to determine the amount of property taxes to be distributed to each entity. In 2005, the following MOUs were updated: Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Shafter, Tehachapi and Wasco. K. Attachment #1 of the MOU lists the percentages of County Property Tax Transferred to Cities that are annexing property. • Tier I Arvin 25% o Ridgecrest 25% o • Tier II McFarland 35% o Shafter 35% o Wasco 35% o • Tier III Bakersfield 37.5% o Maricopa 37.5% o Taft 37.5% o • Tier IV California City 40% o Delano 40% o Tehachapi 40% o FINDINGS: F1. The Auditor-Controller-County Clerk in 2012 determined the Auditor- Controller had over allocated to the cities for annexations per the MOU’s. F2. From 1995-2012 the Auditor’s office transferred the relevant percentage to all the Cities prior to the ERAF deduction being made to the State, contradicting the MOU’s. The amount overpaid between 2005-2011 to the City of Bakersfield was $1,257,373.60. F3. The Auditor-Controller determined the amount of tax money transferred to the City of Bakersfield will be reduced over the next three years to cover the amount owed to ERAF and the County. F4. In April 2013 the total amount owed to the ERAF fund was transferred. F5. An outside agency audits KMC financial statements each year. This is not an internal audit, although it does comply with the requirement that each County department be audited bi-annually. COMMENTS: Under the current Auditor’s leadership the County has been able to correct problems in the distribution of the property tax annexation funds.

Additional documents

Documents found alongside this year's reports — not grand jury reports or responses.