Humboldt County Grand Jury
• 2021-2022
Collaborative Community Quest “... There is no resource that is more vital to the existence and integrity of Indian
⚠️ 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 8 findings
F1
Although tribal community representatives engage with Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services’ Child Welfare Services (DHHS-CWS), tribal members and compliance monitors have expressed dissatisfaction with the process and outcomes of engagement.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors authorize the creation of an independent Office of Tribal Affairs by January 1, 2023. This office will advise all County departments and the Board of Supervisors on matters of importance to tribal communities and Native Americans wherever they live in Humboldt County and will encourage collaboration with all Humboldt County governmental entities. (F1, F2, F3)
F2
Although DHHS-CWS has established an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) program, Humboldt County does not have a specified Office of Tribal Affairs to address matters of importance to the County’s sovereign nations including child protection and extending to justice- related issues as well as cultural protocols and social services.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors authorize the creation of an independent Office of Tribal Affairs by January 1, 2023. This office will advise all County departments and the Board of Supervisors on matters of importance to tribal communities and Native Americans wherever they live in Humboldt County and will encourage collaboration with all Humboldt County governmental entities. (F1, F2, F3)
F3
Humboldt County does not have a specified Office of Tribal Affairs to promote County- Tribal partnerships facilitating collaboration through coordination of intergovernmental services 11 while respecting tribal sovereignty.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors authorize the creation of an independent Office of Tribal Affairs by January 1, 2023. This office will advise all County departments and the Board of Supervisors on matters of importance to tribal communities and Native Americans wherever they live in Humboldt County and will encourage collaboration with all Humboldt County governmental entities. (F1, F2, F3)
F4
DHHS-CWS created a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program which provides needed oversight of Child Welfare Services.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The pandemic slowed efforts to fully meet the requirements of the Stipulated Final Judgment. However, DHHS-CWS has maintained necessary levels of critical care and developed new programs and resources.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
DHHS-CWS has moved into a hybrid work model by which employees work in the office and from home. Advantages include video conferencing for training opportunities, family team meetings and information-sharing.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that by Oct. 1, 2022, the Board of Supervisors formally support the continuance of a hybrid work model in County departments by which employees are able to work in the office and from home. (F6)
F7
Community Task Force meetings have become dominated by DHHS-CWS rather than serving as “community” collaboration. These meetings do not provide for the variety of input intended by the Stipulated Final Judgment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends DHHS-CWS share the responsibility for Community Task Force agendas and discussion topics with all stakeholders on a rotating basis beginning with its next quarterly meeting in September 2022. (F7)
F8
The Child Protection Reporting Guide (CPRG) is the primary purpose of the Community Task Force; however, it is currently in draft form and is not available to the general public. DHHS-CWS has created a Request For Proposals (RFP) whereby not the County but an outside organization will be responsible for promoting community awareness and access to this guide.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends two versions of the Child Protection Reporting Guide be made available in both print and on-line; one for mandated reporters familiar with the terminology and another version with language understandable to the general public. 12 (F8)
No Responses Found 3
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
County of Humboldt
Agency
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office
Humboldt County Sheriff
Elected County Office