Child Protective Services Reason for the report The 2003/2004 Grand Jury received a complaint about inconsistent

There is no ongoing training between CPS and the local law enforcement agencies.

On the job training was the only type of training observed by the Grand Jury in CPS.

Supervisors do not complete evaluations or provide feedback on probationary personnel on a regular basis.

Communication among management, supervisors, and line employees in CPS needs improvement.

Confidential material is often left exposed on desks and subject to unauthorized access. Findings 1. Local law enforcement and CPS do not understand each other’s needs and responsibilities. Response to Finding 1: Respondent disagrees partially with finding. Respondent believes law enforcement and CPS have a good understanding their respective roles in the investigation of child abuse and neglect. As mandatory cross reporters, as defined in Penal Code 11165.7, both law enforcement and CPS are cognizant of their legal responsibilities and are in communication with each other and with other agencies throughout the State whose responsibility includes the care and welfare of children. However, both County agencies realize that sometimes a duplication of investigative effort takes place where interdepartmental communication is deficient. To that end, both County agencies are committed to bettering the communication aspect of child abuse and neglect investigations within El Dorado County.

Inconsistent application of written CPS guidelines diminishes care and support of children and results in frustration of individual CPS workers. Response to Finding 6: The respondent agrees with the finding. Improved communication and more consistent application of the CPS guidelines are needed.