Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2014-2015
Family and Children’s Services Children at Risk May 19, 2015
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 40 findings
F1
A major problem with FCS is understaffing.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F2
FCS ranks at the bottom for two of three State measures of job performance for FCS agencies.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
Management bring to the attention of the Board of Supervisors the ranking of the County with respect to all measures of FCS performance as compared to the rest of the State. (F2, F3, F5, F6)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R12
HHS report annually to the Board of Supervisors the FCS standing in the State with respect to Emergency Response measures. (F2, F8)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F3
One of the two measures where FCS meets or exceeds State averages is Case Worker periodic visits for children under their care. Unfortunately, this does not address the understaffing concerns of the areas where FCS does not even meet State averages.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
Management bring to the attention of the Board of Supervisors the ranking of the County with respect to all measures of FCS performance as compared to the rest of the State. (F2, F3, F5, F6)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F4
A failure to meet required investigation deadlines is a symptom of understaffing. A failure to timely investigate referrals poses an increased risk to children.
Related Recommendations (4)
R2
Management bring to the attention of the Board of Supervisors the consequences of late investigations. (F4)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F5
The statistical performance of County FCS, when compared to that of the other counties in the State, is an embarrassment to our community and should be an embarrassment to our County government.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
Management bring to the attention of the Board of Supervisors the ranking of the County with respect to all measures of FCS performance as compared to the rest of the State. (F2, F3, F5, F6)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F6
Short term (monthly) performance statistics are skewed by untimely data entry; long term statistics will not be skewed. Whether poor performance is due to late . investigations or late entry of data, the underlying cause is the same, understaffing
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
Management bring to the attention of the Board of Supervisors the ranking of the County with respect to all measures of FCS performance as compared to the rest of the State. (F2, F3, F5, F6)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F7
A significant number of FCS professional and supervisory staff do not meet State educational standards for their positions and are considered under-qualified by State standards.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F8
The failure of FCS in Mendocino County to conduct timely investigations is directly linked to the shortage of qualified staff.
Related Recommendations (4)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R12
HHS report annually to the Board of Supervisors the FCS standing in the State with respect to Emergency Response measures. (F2, F8)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F9
The County’s use of inexperienced and under-qualified staff to conduct Emergency Response investigations places an additional burden on supervisors and increases the probability of children or staff coming to harm.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F10
FCS has an erratic record in preparing timely court reports.
Related Recommendations (4)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R4
FCS consult with stake holders to identify and prioritize the most important reports for completion on time. (F10, F11, F12)
R5
Management report to the Board of Supervisors the consequences and County costs of late Court reports. (F10, F11, F12) 14
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F11
Late court reports often result in hearing continuations, which lead to lost time for the Court, the child’s representatives, the parents and their representatives, and the case workers. Late court reports represent an added expense to the County and cause unnecessary friction with the Courts, the legal community, and the families involved.
Related Recommendations (4)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R4
FCS consult with stake holders to identify and prioritize the most important reports for completion on time. (F10, F11, F12)
R5
Management report to the Board of Supervisors the consequences and County costs of late Court reports. (F10, F11, F12) 14
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F12
Late court reports are another symptom of understaffing and under-qualified staff. If done correctly and thoughtfully (as they should be for the sake of the child), the required reports are time-consuming to prepare and demand greater time involvement by supervisors.
Related Recommendations (5)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R4
FCS consult with stake holders to identify and prioritize the most important reports for completion on time. (F10, F11, F12)
R5
Management report to the Board of Supervisors the consequences and County costs of late Court reports. (F10, F11, F12) 14
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F13
FCS has almost one third less staff than the August 2014 Table of Organization shows. 12
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F14
This Table of Organization itself does not show any staff increases since 2008 to meet the increased work load experienced over the last six years.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F15
Senior Management has known of the lack of staff for years. Failure to actively recruit exacerbates this problem. Recruiting is haphazard at best. Failure to address this problem has led to the current state of affairs.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F16
Current FCS professional staff are carrying nearly double the recommended Best Practices case loads for quality service to children.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
F17
The problems associated with understaffing are worsened by the loss of experienced and qualified staff.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F18
Management has responded to the loss of job experience by increasing Core training and the availability of training opportunities toward advanced degrees for staff.
Related Recommendations (2)
R6
Management continue and strengthen efforts to provide training opportunities for staff. (F18)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F19
FCS is not in compliance with State-required educational standards for social workers handling child abuse/neglect cases.
Related Recommendations (7)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R7
HHS identify and assign staff to monitor and maintain compliance with the requirements of the State regarding the required education levels of staff (SWMPP §31-070.1) and regularly report the results to Management. (F19)
R8
HHS identify and assign staff to monitor and maintain compliance with the reporting requirements of the State (SWMPP §31-070.2) with a regular reporting schedule to Management. (F19, F20, F21, F22, F23)
R9
HHS report to the Board of Supervisors that the County has not been, and currently is not in compliance with the staffing requirements of SWMPP §31-070.1. (F19, F20)
R10
HHS report to the Board of Supervisors on a fixed schedule (at least twice a year) the compliance status of the County with respect to SWMPP §31-070.1 (staff education ratios). (F19, F20)
R11
HHS report to the Board of Supervisors on a quarterly basis what is needed in terms of budget and staff to meet the State requirements (SWMPP §31-070.1). (F19)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F20
The County has been aware of its lack of compliance for years.
Related Recommendations (4)
R8
HHS identify and assign staff to monitor and maintain compliance with the reporting requirements of the State (SWMPP §31-070.2) with a regular reporting schedule to Management. (F19, F20, F21, F22, F23)
R9
HHS report to the Board of Supervisors that the County has not been, and currently is not in compliance with the staffing requirements of SWMPP §31-070.1. (F19, F20)
R10
HHS report to the Board of Supervisors on a fixed schedule (at least twice a year) the compliance status of the County with respect to SWMPP §31-070.1 (staff education ratios). (F19, F20)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F21
As of December 31, 2014, HHS had failed to perform even the minimal reporting requirements of the State since 2007.
Related Recommendations (2)
R8
HHS identify and assign staff to monitor and maintain compliance with the reporting requirements of the State (SWMPP §31-070.2) with a regular reporting schedule to Management. (F19, F20, F21, F22, F23)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F22
HHS did file a request for deferral and a plan of action meeting the letter of the law in January 2015.
Related Recommendations (2)
R8
HHS identify and assign staff to monitor and maintain compliance with the reporting requirements of the State (SWMPP §31-070.2) with a regular reporting schedule to Management. (F19, F20, F21, F22, F23)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F23
Because the January 2015 plan of action does not include any requirements of action from the CEO or the Board of Supervisors, the Grand Jury finds the plan does not address the problems.
Related Recommendations (2)
R8
HHS identify and assign staff to monitor and maintain compliance with the reporting requirements of the State (SWMPP §31-070.2) with a regular reporting schedule to Management. (F19, F20, F21, F22, F23)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F24
HHS is attempting to upgrade the educational levels of current FCS staff.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F25
Mendocino County pays more than Humboldt and Lake Counties for starting social workers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F26
The private sector pays significantly higher for social workers. It is likely that the difference between public sector salaries and private sector salaries impacts the ability of the County to hire sufficient numbers of Social Workers.
Related Recommendations (2)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R15
Human Resources contact social workers who rejected employment offers with the County FCS. HR should request specifics as to why the Mendocino County offer was rejected. (F26, F27, F30)
F27
The more populous counties of Napa and Sonoma pay significantly higher salaries than do Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino. It is probable that this difference leads to the loss of professional social workers to those counties.
Related Recommendations (2)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R15
Human Resources contact social workers who rejected employment offers with the County FCS. HR should request specifics as to why the Mendocino County offer was rejected. (F26, F27, F30)
F28
The problem of ‘train-and-trot’ is real. Within two years of hiring or promotion, one out of four employees has left the job. A loss of 25% of employees, after less than two years of service and training, would not be sustainable by a private agency. This is an unacceptable strain on the HHS budget.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R16
Human Resources perform exit interviews to establish the extent of ‘train-and-trot.’ (F28, F29)
F29
The higher paying counties are a major magnet for ‘train-and-trot.’ Also, the atmosphere in which the employees work has contributed to the ‘train and trot’ phenomenon.
Related Recommendations (3)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R16
Human Resources perform exit interviews to establish the extent of ‘train-and-trot.’ (F28, F29)
R17
HHS continue efforts to improve morale and reinstitute the collegial atmosphere to address the issue of ‘train and trot.’ (F29, F32, F33, F40)
F30
Benefit packages vary widely from county to county, and are very complex. The Grand Jury was not able to determine if differences in benefit packages were significant from county to county for counties of equivalent size. 13
Related Recommendations (2)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R15
Human Resources contact social workers who rejected employment offers with the County FCS. HR should request specifics as to why the Mendocino County offer was rejected. (F26, F27, F30)
F31
The 2013 ‘reshuffle’ of job assignments and responsibilities and the renaming of functional units was in fact a reorganization of FCS.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F32
Along with the 2013 reorganization of FCS, Management moved to a top down management (command-and-control) style. A lack of communication with subordinates about personnel and staffing decisions is a hallmark of command-and- control management.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R17
HHS continue efforts to improve morale and reinstitute the collegial atmosphere to address the issue of ‘train and trot.’ (F29, F32, F33, F40)
F33
Command-and-control decreases collegiality and is not a good management model for Social Agencies. It leads to a lack of transparency of management actions up and down the chain.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
R17
HHS continue efforts to improve morale and reinstitute the collegial atmosphere to address the issue of ‘train and trot.’ (F29, F32, F33, F40)
F34
Combining functions by requiring individual social workers to cover both Emergency Response and Court functions is an attempt by Management to deal with staff shortages and inexperienced staff. This has hampered the workers’ ability to perform the tasks necessary for the safety and well-being of the children.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F35
While there is a lack of recruiting activities, the increased emphasis on the educational qualifications in consideration of potential new hires by requiring MSWs was a decision based on the need to meet State mandated requirements.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13
the Board of Supervisors supply HHS with the resources necessary to provide adequate services to the children of Mendocino County. (F1 through F35)
F36
Management took retaliatory action against workers who disagreed with them.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
F37
Staff is reluctant to speak out on issues for fear of retaliation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
F38
Lack of respectful communication was cited by more than one interviewee, and the Grand Jury was presented documented evidence.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
R18
Supervisors and managers review on an annual basis Social Services Policy No. 06- 03, and how it is being implemented within their respective sections. (F38, F40) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • CEO, Mendocino County (All Findings and All Recommendations) • Director, Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency (All Findings and All Recommendations) • Director, Mendocino County Human Resources (Findings 26 through 30 and Recommendations 15 and 16) 15 From the following governing bodies: • The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (Findings 1, 5, 7, 20, 23, 28 and Recommendations 1 through 3, 5, 9 through 13) The governing bodies indicated above should be aware that the comment or response of the governing body must be conducted subject to the notice, agenda and open meeting requirements of the Brown Act. Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individual(s): • Assistant Director, Mendocino County Family and Children’s Services (All Findings and All Recommendations)
F39
FCS underwent a time of turmoil which resulted in negative impacts on staff morale and loss of senior staff.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Management bring to the Board of Supervisors recommendations for correcting the problems listed in the findings. (F1, F2, F4. F6 through F17, F19, F24, F28, F32 through F 34, F36 through F39)
F40
Though too few in numbers, the current staff is dedicated, hard-working, and caring in their efforts to meet the needs of the children.
Related Recommendations (3)
R14
HHS institute an active, continuous, and well publicized effort to recruit qualified staff. (F1, F3, F4, F6 through F9, F12 through F16, F40)
R17
HHS continue efforts to improve morale and reinstitute the collegial atmosphere to address the issue of ‘train and trot.’ (F29, F32, F33, F40)
R18
Supervisors and managers review on an annual basis Social Services Policy No. 06- 03, and how it is being implemented within their respective sections. (F38, F40) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are required from the following individuals: • CEO, Mendocino County (All Findings and All Recommendations) • Director, Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency (All Findings and All Recommendations) • Director, Mendocino County Human Resources (Findings 26 through 30 and Recommendations 15 and 16) 15 From the following governing bodies: • The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (Findings 1, 5, 7, 20, 23, 28 and Recommendations 1 through 3, 5, 9 through 13) The governing bodies indicated above should be aware that the comment or response of the governing body must be conducted subject to the notice, agenda and open meeting requirements of the Brown Act. Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, responses are requested from the following individual(s): • Assistant Director, Mendocino County Family and Children’s Services (All Findings and All Recommendations)