Orange County Grand Jury
• 1999-2000
• Agency Response
Child Abuse Services Team (cast)
⚠️ 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 5 findings
F1
There is only one nurse practitioner assigned full-time to CAST and one physician assigned for four hours per week. A response to Finding 1 is required from the Board of Supervisors and requested from the Health Care Agency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Both an additional nurse practitioner and a physician should be assigned at least half time to CAST. A response to Recommendation 1 is required from the Board of Supervisors and requested from the Health Care Agency.
F2
There is only one Deputy District Attorney assigned full-time to CAST to handle child sexual-abuse cases. A response to Finding 2 is required from the Board of Supervisors and from the District Attorney.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
One additional Deputy District Attorney cases should be assigned to CAST at least half time to handle child sexual-abuse cases. A response to Recommendation 2 is required from the Board of Supervisors and from the District Attorney.
F3
There is only one Spanish-speaking interview specialist out of the three specialists assigned to CAST, even though half of the children interviewed are Hispanic and many have Spanish as their first language. A response to Finding 3 is required from the Board of Supervisors and requested from the Social Services Agency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
One additional full-time Spanish-speaking interview specialist should be assigned to CAST. A response to Recommendation 3 is required from the Board of Supervisors and requested from the Social Services Agency.
F4
There are problems, at times, with adequate translation services for interviews in languages other than English or Spanish. A response to Finding 4 is required from the Board of Supervisors and requested from the Social Services Agency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Coordination with the Superior Court translator services should be initiated in order that translators can be more quickly and easily employed when necessary. A response to Recommendation 4 is required from the Board of Supervisors and requested from the Social Services Agency.
F5
The south CAST facility has not been fully staffed and equipped, as personnel and equipment have been concentrated at the central CAST facility. A response to Finding 5 is required from the Board of Supervisors and requested from the Social Services Agency. 6
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Social Services Agency should complete a study to determine whether the south CAST facility is cost-justified based upon current usage and future needs. The study should be completed by December 31, 2000, so that a decision for retention or closure can be made prior to expiration of the lease in December 2001. A response to Recommendation 5 is required from the Board of Supervisors and requested from the Social Services Agency. 7
Commendations 1
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CM1The 1999–2000 Orange County Grand Jury commends: · The personnel of CAST for their dedication to the children of Orange County. They perform very stressful work with great empathy and sensitivity. In addition to the County-employed personnel, there is wonderful support from community volunteers through the CASA organization. · Three Orange County artists for their donations of time and talent in designing murals and other decorative items for the central CAST facility. The artists are: Carol A. Cole of Art Designs Laurel Dahlen of Divine Design Patrick Reilly of Mixed Media · The Orange County Woodworker’s Association for donations of time and materials for the design and building of cabinets and play equipment for the central CAST facility. 8