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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.
Sutter County Grand Jury
• 2015-2016
JUN 2 4 2016 Superior Court of California County of Sutier Clerk of the Court By Jackie Laswell Deputy Final Report
⚠️ 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 8 findings
F2
Page 77
Decision making capabilities and authority of Social Workers are limited by management.
F3
Page 77
Current drug testing procedures put employees at risk of communicable diseases, violates personal privacy rights, and displays a lack of training regarding urine collection.
F4
Page 77
The current CPS facility is lacking appropriate security measures to protect the clients, representatives of the County, and County property.
F5
Page 77
The modular units which currently house CPS have exceeded the normal life-expectancy and are badly degraded.
F6
Page 78
CPS visitation room was recently remodeled and includes new carpeting, furnishing, paint, toys and a computer for social workers use while supervising visitations.
F7
Page 117
The SCSD Board of Directors/Officers and representatives of the SCSD lack a full understanding of the SCSD Bylaws, Ordinances, and Code Compliance Policies and Procedures.
F8
Page 117
The SCSD By-Laws are outdated in regards to meeting place/time and posting of meeting requirements. There is no clear definition of election qualifications and terms of directors.
F9
Page 117
The SCSD Ordinance 91-05 Article 9 Section 902 makes a reference to outdated Section 434. FlO. The SCSD BOD Meetings' minutes are not posted for public viewing on the SCSD's website or within the SCSD's office. of7
Recommendations 9
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R1Page 78CPS needs to encourage open communication, HR evaluation, survey of employees regarding upper management style and supervision. Should have employees rate their supervisors yearly.
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R2Page 78Caseworkers need to have the ability to make their own recommendations. If upper management has a concern with the recommendation, then the management can write their own addendum.
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R3Page 78CPS follow all current OSHA guidelines regarding urine collection and disposal, and policies need to be reviewed annually or consider "outsourcing" this process.
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R4Page 78Hire a security guard and installation of video surveillance for main lobby and parking.
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R5Page 78Relocation of the CPS department to a suitable facility.
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R6Page 78Upgrades are recognized, however deficiencies still exist. Needs to be moved away from mental health, bathrooms and adequate space is needed for a proper visit.
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R7Page 118Remove the SCSD estimating bill Ordinance 91-05 Article 10 Section 1008.
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R8Page 118The SCSD's Bylaws and Ordinances be reviewed for accuracies in regards to compliance with current law. Additionally, identifying term limits for the SCSD Board of Directors and make proper
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R9Page 118All representatives of the SCSD are educated on the SCSD Ordinances. Additionally, the District Manager and the BOD should familiarize themselves with the Bylaws and the Board of Directors Policy Manual. RIO. The SCSD BOD Meetings' minutes for the prior six months be posted for public viewing on the SCSD's website and the most recent SCSD BOD meeting minutes on the bulletin board within the SCSD's office.
Conclusions 1
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CL1Management also reported the appearance of low morale and lack of trust. However, management believes that it stems from a small group of four to five employees who are disgruntled. After interviewing previous employees and over 90% of current CPS social workers, management's beliefs that there are four or five disgruntled employees is far short of accurate. Although CPS management may have valid reasons for its actions, it appears that there is an overall breakdown of communication from the Director of Human Services down through social workers. CPS workers have a very difficult job that requires expertise, experience, and a high level of education. The workers are involved in stressful situations and receive little recognition from the public and management. It should be noted that given the conditions of the report above, the social workers of CPS have a dedication and work ethic that displays a highest priority and concern for the children and families they come in contact with. All representatives of CPS contacted were extremely courteous and helpful. Their knowledge and cooperation were instrumental in completing a thorough investigation.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Sutter County
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