Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2016-2017
Another Look at Family and Children’s Services
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 15 findings
F1
The loss of significant numbers of experienced staff since 2011 and the inability of the County to attract trained social workers with CPS experience has resulted in the hiring of inexperienced workers with a higher than normal turnover rate and a need for on-the-job training.
Related Recommendations (6)
R1
The County require a commitment of continued employment for a fixed period of time for those participating in the County subsidized Master’s Degree program. (F1, F5, F9, F11, F13)
R2
The County request another State Waiver for FCS to operate with less than the mandatory number of staff with MSW degrees. (F1, F3, F5, F11)
R3
The County continue to develop and utilize community-based non-profits to locate and assist families before exigent situations develop. (F1-F3, F7, F12, F14)
R4
The Board of Supervisors direct the County to offer competitive salaries to hire and retain quality Department staff. (F1-F3, F5, F11, F13, F15)
R5
The Board of Supervisors provide a side letter agreement to the SEIU contract authorizing additional pay for Emergency Response work. (F1-F3, F11, F13-F15)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F2
Mendocino County has a higher rate than the State average for removal of children from their families due to of lack of early intervention in troubled families, the drug culture, high unemployment, lack of housing, and the lack of teenage drug treatment programs.
Related Recommendations (5)
R3
The County continue to develop and utilize community-based non-profits to locate and assist families before exigent situations develop. (F1-F3, F7, F12, F14)
R4
The Board of Supervisors direct the County to offer competitive salaries to hire and retain quality Department staff. (F1-F3, F5, F11, F13, F15)
R5
The Board of Supervisors provide a side letter agreement to the SEIU contract authorizing additional pay for Emergency Response work. (F1-F3, F11, F13-F15)
R6
The prevention and investigation of childhood abuses receive the most resources and attention of the Department management. (F2, F3, F14)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F3
Without more investigators and a five-day workweek, it will be impossible to meet the County’s mandated response time for non-emergency ten-day investigation requests. This results in unnecessary risks for children.
Related Recommendations (6)
R2
The County request another State Waiver for FCS to operate with less than the mandatory number of staff with MSW degrees. (F1, F3, F5, F11)
R3
The County continue to develop and utilize community-based non-profits to locate and assist families before exigent situations develop. (F1-F3, F7, F12, F14)
R4
The Board of Supervisors direct the County to offer competitive salaries to hire and retain quality Department staff. (F1-F3, F5, F11, F13, F15)
R5
The Board of Supervisors provide a side letter agreement to the SEIU contract authorizing additional pay for Emergency Response work. (F1-F3, F11, F13-F15)
R6
The prevention and investigation of childhood abuses receive the most resources and attention of the Department management. (F2, F3, F14)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F4
The new State eligibility requirements and training requirements for foster homes may reduce the rate of abuse and changes in foster care placements, but make it even harder for Mendocino County agencies to recruit foster families.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F5
Experienced workers are carrying a much higher caseload than inexperienced workers creating resentment and job dissatisfaction. This has contributed to staff leaving the Department.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The County require a commitment of continued employment for a fixed period of time for those participating in the County subsidized Master’s Degree program. (F1, F5, F9, F11, F13)
R2
The County request another State Waiver for FCS to operate with less than the mandatory number of staff with MSW degrees. (F1, F3, F5, F11)
R4
The Board of Supervisors direct the County to offer competitive salaries to hire and retain quality Department staff. (F1-F3, F5, F11, F13, F15)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F6
State forms for evaluating safety and risk factors may be filed considerably after determinations are made, if at all, creating unnecessary risk for children.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F7
The contract with RCS for ESS workers stationed at the RCS facility in Willits, serving the entire County, is proving extremely valuable in removing children to safety while investigators make a determination on the removal of a child.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The County continue to develop and utilize community-based non-profits to locate and assist families before exigent situations develop. (F1-F3, F7, F12, F14)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F8
The Grand Jury supports the Deputy Director of FCS’ efforts to implement a more supportive and trusting management style, and the Department’s recognition of individual accomplishments.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The change from the Merit System to Civil Service Employment practices allows promotion of experienced people without an MSW degree to supervisorial positions and this may attract new staff from neighboring counties.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The County require a commitment of continued employment for a fixed period of time for those participating in the County subsidized Master’s Degree program. (F1, F5, F9, F11, F13)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F10
The use of the term Social Worker as a job title in the Department is too broad. It does not properly define the education or responsibility of the various workers’ assignments.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F11
The California State Waiver for staffing levels through 2018 will need to be renewed. Mendocino County is unable to maintain sufficient State mandated MSW staff levels.
Related Recommendations (5)
R1
The County require a commitment of continued employment for a fixed period of time for those participating in the County subsidized Master’s Degree program. (F1, F5, F9, F11, F13)
R2
The County request another State Waiver for FCS to operate with less than the mandatory number of staff with MSW degrees. (F1, F3, F5, F11)
R4
The Board of Supervisors direct the County to offer competitive salaries to hire and retain quality Department staff. (F1-F3, F5, F11, F13, F15)
R5
The Board of Supervisors provide a side letter agreement to the SEIU contract authorizing additional pay for Emergency Response work. (F1-F3, F11, F13-F15)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F12
The Differential Response RFP is part of developing community based programs that will lessen the stress on the available staff of FCS by assisting families before problems become exigent and require removal of children.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The County continue to develop and utilize community-based non-profits to locate and assist families before exigent situations develop. (F1-F3, F7, F12, F14)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F13
The disparity between Mendocino County’s salary scale and adjacent counties’ pay scales has made recruitment of workers with a MSW degree or years of CPS experience nearly impossible.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The County require a commitment of continued employment for a fixed period of time for those participating in the County subsidized Master’s Degree program. (F1, F5, F9, F11, F13)
R4
The Board of Supervisors direct the County to offer competitive salaries to hire and retain quality Department staff. (F1-F3, F5, F11, F13, F15)
R5
The Board of Supervisors provide a side letter agreement to the SEIU contract authorizing additional pay for Emergency Response work. (F1-F3, F11, F13-F15)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F14
The Grand Jury notes management is seeking outside help to analyze and correct the Departmental issues. However, the problems noted in the 2014-15 Report still need corrective action.
Related Recommendations (4)
R3
The County continue to develop and utilize community-based non-profits to locate and assist families before exigent situations develop. (F1-F3, F7, F12, F14)
R5
The Board of Supervisors provide a side letter agreement to the SEIU contract authorizing additional pay for Emergency Response work. (F1-F3, F11, F13-F15)
R6
The prevention and investigation of childhood abuses receive the most resources and attention of the Department management. (F2, F3, F14)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)
F15
The Board of Supervisors agreed to many of the recommendations in the UC Davis report. The BOS increased salaries and awarded a 5% differential payment to Coastal and Covelo staff. The BOS also took action to reward long-term County service with longevity pay. The Grand Jury commends these changes and hopes the BOS will continue to support those committed to County service.
Related Recommendations (3)
R4
The Board of Supervisors direct the County to offer competitive salaries to hire and retain quality Department staff. (F1-F3, F5, F11, F13, F15)
R5
The Board of Supervisors provide a side letter agreement to the SEIU contract authorizing additional pay for Emergency Response work. (F1-F3, F11, F13-F15)
R7
The Department ensure that staff utilize the Structured Decision Making risk assessment instrument forms prior to decision making, allowing for prompt data input into the State information bank. (F6, F14) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer (F1-F4, F7, F9-F12, F14, F15) and (R1-R5) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Human Resources/Civil Service Director (F1, F3, F5, F9-F11, F13, F15) and (R1, R4, R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following body: • Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (F1-F4, F9-F15) and (R1-R5) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individuals: • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Operations Officer (All Findings) and (All Recommendations) • Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Director (All Findings) and (All Recommendations)