Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2024-2025
Creative Approach to Improve Quality of Care for Family and Children’s Services
⚠️ 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 7 findings
F1
FCS is chronically understaffed and struggles to fulfill its responsibilities in an effective manner.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Due to the lack of an effective hiring process, FCS and HR have difficulty in the timely recruiting of staff.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
FCS management implement a more effective recruiting program as soon as possible. (F1,
F3
FCS staff is consistently challenged to complete required tasks in a timely manner.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
FCS is experiencing significant staff turnover. This results in management not having adequate time to manage, mentor, train, and coach their employees effectively.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
FCS management make substantial efforts to retain existing staff. (F4, F5, F6)
R3
FCS create internships. (F4, F6, F7)
F5
Retention of existing FCS staff is a critical need that requires attention. If understaffing is not corrected, the functioning of FCS will be further impaired.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
FCS management make substantial efforts to retain existing staff. (F4, F5, F6)
R4
FCS continue to develop and encourage a positive workplace environment. (F1, F5, F6,
F6
There is a positive trend in recent FCS recruitment and hiring success.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
FCS management make substantial efforts to retain existing staff. (F4, F5, F6)
R3
FCS create internships. (F4, F6, F7)
F7
FCS staff have positive attitudes, job dedication, and commitment to their clients.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
FCS create internships. (F4, F6, F7)
Conclusions 1
-
CL1While the FCS staff are dedicated, the ability of FCS to deliver on its mission is currently seriously challenged. In interviews, staff report they are experiencing a difficult workplace environment as a result of insufficient staffing. The FCS has insufficient staff with master’s level qualifications, and they are experiencing a difficult workplace environment. As a result, employee turnover is high, and the remaining staff work many hours overtime attempting to meet required deadlines. The GJ acknowledges efforts on the part of DSS management to correct the issues of recruitment and retention that contribute to understaffing. At the time of this report, there has been a reduction in unfilled positions. However, understaffing still exists. Filling FCS positions needs to be a continuing priority for DSS and HR departments, and new approaches must be developed so that children are safe, families stay intact and for Mendocino County to be a healthy and vibrant environment for all of its citizens.