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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Fresno County Grand Jury • 2002-2003

Education, Library & Youth Committee David Barber, Chair Robin Baldwin Robert Buchanan Joan Quintana Jack Thorburn,

Published: July 29, 2003 2 pages
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Findings 3 findings

F1 Page 52
Crocker Bank Building
F2 Page 52
Children’s Dependency Court
F3
Center Mall Court B. Communication between mental health staff and social work staff is difficult due to the multiple sites in which they are based. C. The existing programs for recruiting, training, and retaining foster parents were found inadequate. D. Oversight visits to foster homes are infrequent and usually in response to complaints and problems. E. At the present time there is no documented policy regarding placement of foster children. F. Craycroft Youth Center functions as a facility for emergency placement, and also provides for extended placement for stays of up to 30 days. This facility attempts to keep siblings together. G. There is a good working relationship and much interaction between the Foster Care Standards and Oversight Committee and the Department of Children and Family Services. Conclusions A. The large number of sites used in the administration of foster care services creates difficulties in communication and coordination of services. B. The programs currently in place for recruiting, training, and retaining foster parents need to be developed further and improved. C. Limited resources and large case loads do not allow for more frequent oversight visits to foster homes. D. There is a lack of coordination between mental health workers and social workers. E. The efficiency of the Department of Children and Family Services Foster Care System is hindered by the absence of a documented foster child placement policy. F. Craycroft Youth Center is a valuable facility for emergency placement and placement of multiple siblings. G. The Foster Care Standards and Oversight Committee, which is appointed by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, has contributed greatly to the improvement of care for foster children in Fresno County.

Recommendations 4