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Findings and Recommendations 22 findings
F1
Kern County Child Protective Services (CPS) has a 24/7 hotline that ensures reports can be submitted promptly.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
Expand outreach strategies, including social media and digital platforms, to increase visibility and accessibility of information about child neglect and abuse prevention, and reporting incidents by September 30, 2025. (Findings #1, #10, and #17)
F2
To avoid harm, children in an unsafe environment are removed by CPS. Refer to Juvenile Dependency Flow Chart (Appendix C).
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Training and qualifications ensure that caseworkers have the foundational knowledge necessary for effective case management.
Related Recommendations (2)
R6
CPS develop more comprehensive ongoing training modules for staff to address specialized topics like trauma-related care and cultural diversity by September 30, 2025. (Findings #3, #4, and #21)
R10
Provide caseworkers with more extensive training in de-escalation techniques and effective communication strategies to ensure coordinated and respectful intervention practices and develop clear protocols for managing uncooperative individuals by September 30, 2025. (Findings #3, #4, #10, and #17)
F4
Despite required training, on-the-job scenarios can vary widely, and case workers may lack real-time support for complex or high-stress situations. This may cause added on-the-job stress and higher turnover rates.
Related Recommendations (2)
R6
CPS develop more comprehensive ongoing training modules for staff to address specialized topics like trauma-related care and cultural diversity by September 30, 2025. (Findings #3, #4, and #21)
R10
Provide caseworkers with more extensive training in de-escalation techniques and effective communication strategies to ensure coordinated and respectful intervention practices and develop clear protocols for managing uncooperative individuals by September 30, 2025. (Findings #3, #4, #10, and #17)
F5
Recruitment efforts may be improved by fully leveraging tools like targeted social media campaigns or partnerships with educational institutions.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
CPS work with the Kern County Board of Supervisors (BOS) to conduct a salary survey by May 31, 2025, to determine if salaries and benefits of CPS social workers are competitive. (Findings #5 through #8)
R2
CPS work with BOS and the Kern County Human Resources to hire additional social workers by August 30, 2025. (Findings #5 through #8)
R3
By September 30, 2025, CPS work with local colleges to create a specialized program to include undergraduate students in the scholarship, grant or tuition reimbursement programs. This should be designed with the goal for graduates to work for CPS. (Findings #5 through #8)
R4
By July 31, 2025, CPS work with Kern County Human Resources to conduct job fairs with emphasis on attracting qualified individuals. (Findings #5 through #8)
F6
Inadequate retention of staff disrupts CPS’s continuity of care for families; this may lead to increased costs associated with hiring and training new employees.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Staff shortages create higher caseloads per staff member, which hinders supervisors’ ability to perform thorough reviews, possibly impacting consistency and performance monitoring.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
By July 31, 2025, CPS work with Kern County Human Resources to determine if private sector temporary employment services could be utilized to conduct in- house general office duties, to increase social workers’ time and/or ability to manage priority issues. (Findings #7, #8, #16, and #18)
F8
The lack of competitive salaries has led to high staff turnover. This may have exacerbated the workload of the remaining staff resulting in burnout.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
By July 31, 2025, CPS work with Kern County Human Resources to determine if private sector temporary employment services could be utilized to conduct in- house general office duties, to increase social workers’ time and/or ability to manage priority issues. (Findings #7, #8, #16, and #18)
F9
Collaboration with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers appears to enhance early identification of abuse or neglect and improve CPS’s resource allocation for families.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12
Conduct an analysis of non-emergency case timelines to address and rectify specific causes of delays by October 31, 2025. (Findings #9 through #11)
F10
Not all community members are aware of the reporting process for child abuse or neglect; nor are they confident in CPS’s ability to intervene effectively. Due to language barriers, some members of the community may not fully understand available resources.
Related Recommendations (2)
R10
Provide caseworkers with more extensive training in de-escalation techniques and effective communication strategies to ensure coordinated and respectful intervention practices and develop clear protocols for managing uncooperative individuals by September 30, 2025. (Findings #3, #4, #10, and #17)
R11
Expand outreach strategies, including social media and digital platforms, to increase visibility and accessibility of information about child neglect and abuse prevention, and reporting incidents by September 30, 2025. (Findings #1, #10, and #17)
F11
Insufficient client access to family support services (e.g., training programs, community resources, etc.) hinders CPS’s ability to address root causes of child welfare issues, which can potentially lead to delays in moving cases forward.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
CPS work with Kern County Department of Human Services to enhance the availability of support services for clients by July 31, 2025. (Findings #11, #17, and #21)
F12
CPS uses the “Structured Decision Making” tool (a questionnaire completed by CPS) to determine if a child is in imminent danger. This can lead to the caseworkers’ determination whether a child should be removed from their home.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
Social workers are challenged by varying response times from law enforcement, leading to a safety issue for both the children in crisis and the social worker.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
There is inadequate funding for Kern Regional Center through the California Department of Developmental Services to carry out its responsibilities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
By July 31, 2025, CPS work with California Department of Developmental Services, to secure funding for the Kern Regional Center remodel. This will increase building space needed to better care for special needs children. (Findings #14 and #15)
F15
CPS faces limited funding flexibility, with a significant portion of funds earmarked for specific programs, thereby restricting the ability to address emerging needs dynamically.
Related Recommendations (3)
R8
By July 31, 2025, CPS work with California Department of Developmental Services, to secure funding for the Kern Regional Center remodel. This will increase building space needed to better care for special needs children. (Findings #14 and #15)
R9
By July 31, 2025, CPS work with Kern County General Services to secure grant funding for solar panels at Jamison Children’s Center to reduce utility costs. (Findings #15 and #22)
R13
DHS work with the BOS to allow for CPS discretionary spending authority starting with the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year by May 31, 2025. (Finding #15) NOTES: • The Kern County Child Protective Services 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: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Department of Human Services
F16
With the increase in reported cases of child abuse and neglect, the current budget allocation is not allowing CPS to fully carry out its increasing responsibilities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
By July 31, 2025, CPS work with Kern County Human Resources to determine if private sector temporary employment services could be utilized to conduct in- house general office duties, to increase social workers’ time and/or ability to manage priority issues. (Findings #7, #8, #16, and #18)
F17
CPS faces issues of lack of trust and perceived biases which can contribute to non-cooperation among some families.
Related Recommendations (3)
R5
CPS work with Kern County Department of Human Services to enhance the availability of support services for clients by July 31, 2025. (Findings #11, #17, and #21)
R10
Provide caseworkers with more extensive training in de-escalation techniques and effective communication strategies to ensure coordinated and respectful intervention practices and develop clear protocols for managing uncooperative individuals by September 30, 2025. (Findings #3, #4, #10, and #17)
R11
Expand outreach strategies, including social media and digital platforms, to increase visibility and accessibility of information about child neglect and abuse prevention, and reporting incidents by September 30, 2025. (Findings #1, #10, and #17)
F18
Due to delays in addressing complaints and insufficiency in the follow-up process, there is frustration among parents and/or caregivers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
By July 31, 2025, CPS work with Kern County Human Resources to determine if private sector temporary employment services could be utilized to conduct in- house general office duties, to increase social workers’ time and/or ability to manage priority issues. (Findings #7, #8, #16, and #18)
F19
Response times have shown improvement in high-priority cases but remain inconsistent in non-emergency situations.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
Limited transparency due to confidentiality laws about the outcomes of complaints and legal cases can impact public trust.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
CPS has expanded training programs for social workers to identify and address substance abuse and domestic violence more effectively. Partnerships with local organizations have been enhanced to provide targeted support.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5
CPS work with Kern County Department of Human Services to enhance the availability of support services for clients by July 31, 2025. (Findings #11, #17, and #21)
R6
CPS develop more comprehensive ongoing training modules for staff to address specialized topics like trauma-related care and cultural diversity by September 30, 2025. (Findings #3, #4, and #21)
F22
Costs of running the Jamison Center and providing necessary services, including utilities, may limit their ability to make improvements within the facility. COMMENTS: The 2024-2025 Kern County Grand Jury would like to thank the management and staff of the Kern County Child Protective Services, and the staff of Jamison and Dream Centers, for their cooperation in the investigation. The Grand Jury is thankful for the immeasurable help in answering questions, providing statistical detail reports, and accommodating tours of the Jamison Center and Dream Center. CPS works hard to serve Kern County. They partner with allies and other members of the community to protect the needs of children and families. The CPS team shows creativity, flexibility, and resilience. They strive to emulate the theme of “Compassion plus Action”.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
By July 31, 2025, CPS work with Kern County General Services to secure grant funding for solar panels at Jamison Children’s Center to reduce utility costs. (Findings #15 and #22)
Comments 9
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CO1The Kern County Child Protective Services should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review.
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CO2Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury
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CO3Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury 2024-2025 Kern County Grand Jury Report 9 RESPONSE DEADLINE:
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CO4REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Department of Human Services Findings #1 through #22
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CO5REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: Kern County Board of Supervisors Findings #1 through #22
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CO6INVITED RESPONSE WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: California Department of Developmental Services Finding #14
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CO7PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301
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CO8FOREPERSON KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury. 2024-2025 Kern County Grand Jury Report 10 APPENDICES: APPENDIX A Who is a Mandated Reporter Who is a Mandated Reporter? A teacher, instructional aide, teacher’s aide or assistant, an employee of any school, a classified employee of a public school, an administrative officer or supervisor of child welfare, an administrator of a public or private day camp, youth center, youth recreation program or organization, a licensee, administrator or employee of a child day care facility, an employee of a county office of education or the State Department of Education whose duties bring the employee in contact with children on a regular basic, a licensee, a HeadStart teacher, a licensing worker or licensing evaluator employed by a licensing agency, public assistance worker, foster parents, group home personnel, social worker, probation officer, parole officer, school district police or security department, an administrator, presenter, or counselor in a child abuse prevention program, a district attorney investigator, inspector, or local child support agency caseworker, a peace officer, firefighter, health professionals (physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist or assistant, dentist, resident, intern, podiatrist, chiropractor, licensed nurse, dental hygienist, optometrist, marriage and family and child counselor or trainee, paramedic, state or county public health employee that treats a child, coroner or medical examiner), child visitation monitor, an animal control or human society officer, a clergy member (Priest, Minister, Rabbi, Religious Practitioner, or similar functionary of a church, temple or recognized religious denomination or organization), any employee of any police, sheriff’s, probation, or welfare department, a commercial film and photographic print processor (any person who develops exposed photographic film into negatives, slides or prints), a CASA employee or volunteer, an alcohol and drug counselor, a clinical counselor trainee, an employee or administrator of a public or private postsecondary educational institution, an athletic coach, athletic administrator, or athletic director, a commercial computer technician, any athletic coach, including assistant coach, or a graduate assistant involved in coaching, at a public or private post-secondary educational institutions, an individual certified as a foster family agency home, or resource family. (PC11165.7) 2024-2025 Kern County Grand Jury Report 11 APPENDIX B Child Welfare Services November, 2024 825 Current Prior Year Fiscal Yr. % Change EMERGENCY RESPONSE Month Month Ago 2020/2021 1Year Emergency Response referrals received - Families 882 900 830 5784 6% ER Referred for Investigation 580 572 596 3813 -3% ER Evaluated Out 302 328 234 1971 29% Emergency Response Referrals Received - Children 1336 1319 1224 8837 9% ER Referred for Investigation 756 729 671 4998 13% ER Evaluated Out 580 590 553 3839 5% Breakdown of Dispositions (ER, Phone Room, Court Intake) Sexual Abuse 1405 1469 1070 9414 31% Physical Abuse 121 115 67 909 81% Severe Neglect 165 185 81 1198 104% General Neglect 63 17 21 184 200% Emotional Abuse (also Domestic Violence Cases) 982 1076 871 6686 13% Exploitation 40 43 7 222 471% Caretaker Absence / Incapacity (also Pos Tox) 3 5 5 29 -40% At Risk, Substantial Risk, Invalid 12 20 17 128 -29% 19 8 1 58 1800% JAMISON Number of Children Admitted to Jamison 94 101 126 658 -25% Protective Custody/New Intakes 76 86 115 545 -34% Change of Placement 18 15 11 113 64% Children Released from Jamison 95 119 114 660 -17% Average Days in Jamison 2.5 2.5 1.5 14.9 67% Admissions - Breakdown by Age 0 0-5yrs 6-12yrs 29 36 53 253 -45% 13-18yrs 33 35 39 201 -15% 32 30 34 204 -6% COURT INTAKE Number of Children Referred for Investigation 59 72 71 746 -17% Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) 59 44 38 622 55% Child Protective Services (CPS) 0 28 33 124 -100% Number of Families Referred for Investigation 58 41 50 292 16% Number of Petitions Filed (Children) 37 41 49 301 -24% FM / FR / PP / ST Number of Families Receiving Family Maintenance 134 141 165 943 -19% Number of Children Receiving Family Maintenance 288 299 342 1981 -16% Court-Ordered FM - Children 212 216 270 1424 -21% Voluntary FM - Children 32 45 42 353 -24% Number of Children in Out-of-Home Placement (FR/ PP/ST) 2084 2065 2138 12389 -3% Family Reunification 644 625 666 3787 -3% Permanent Placement 1170 1167 1256 7034 -7% 2024-2025 Kern County Grand Jury Report 12 Supportive Transition 270 273 216 1568 N/A Number of Children Reunified with Parents 17 18 22 143 -23% Number of Children Referred for Adoptive Study 0 0 0 0 * ADOPTION Total Number of Children in Adoptive Study Number of 511 488 598 3092 -15% Children Free, Not Placed 0 0 0 0 * Number of Children Under Study, Not Free 0 0 0 0 * Number of Finalized Adoptions 20 12 12 102 67% Number of New Adoptive Placements 37 52 12 198 208% LICENSING Number of Licensed Homes 0 0 0 0 * Number of Foster Care Applications Pending Number of 0 0 0 0 * Resource Family Homes (RFH) 1156 1129 1160 6799 0% 2024-2025 Kern County Grand Jury Report 13 APPENDIX C 2024-2025 Kern County Grand Jury Report 14 APPENDIX D Kern County Network for Children The Wish List Dream Center Donations of new or gently used items make meaningful differences for Kern’s current and former foster youth. Infants & Toddlers
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CO9Diapers & wipes Clothing Supplies 1 2 • Socks (all adult sizes) 3 • T shirts (sizes M, L, XL) 4 • Pajamas/sleepwear (all sizes) - 5 • Young women’s underwear (all sizes) 6 • Men’s belts 7 • Men’s boxers (all sizes) 8 • Sweatshirts (all sizes) (white, 9 Grey, black) 10 • Sweatpants (all sizes) (white, grey, black) 11 • Men’s and women’s clothing (all sizes casual and dress) 12 • Shoes Hygiene Supplies 13 14 • Individual shampoos, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes 15 • Deodorant (non-aerosol) 16 • Combs/hairbrushes 17 • Personal care items for women Food Items 18 19 • Individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, trail mix) 20 • Bottled beverages and reusable water bottle containers 21 • Emergency food items (soups, tuna, peanut butter, cereal, etc.) 22 • Blankets All donations to the Kern County Network for Children’s Dream Center are d e d u c t ib l e f o r i n 2co0m24e- t2a0x 2pu5r pKoesrens tCo othuen etxyt eGntr aalnlodw Jeudr byy Rlaewp. o rt 15