San Bernardino County Grand Jury
2015-2016
Findings & Recommendations
18 findings
F1:
There are adequate checks and balances for the use of CAL-Cards in both school districts.
F2:
School districts determine which staff members will be given authorization to use CAL- Cards.
F3:
Policies and procedures require the CAL-Card to bear the name of the user and their work address.
F4:
CAL-Cards are issued by US Bank and regulated by the purchasing department at each school district pursuant to both the US Bank and the district CAL-Card user guide.
F5:
Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistant Team may be used to assist school district purchasing departments in directing the use of each CAL-Card.
F6:
Prohibited uses of the CAL-Card are listed in Department of General Services Procurement Division CAL-Card User Guide. The individual district’s list of prohibited items may differ. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – CAL-Cards 12
F7:
Travel and conference expenses require a Conference Request Form which must be pre- approved.
F8:
Checks and balances include regular audits by an accounting technician.
F9:
When the cardholder leaves a school but remains in the district, the CAL-Card may be kept by the user. When the user leaves the district the CAL-Card must be returned and cancelled.
F10:
There are no line item reports for late charges or incentive rebates.
F11:
No follow up system is in place by the trainers to assess the effectiveness of the training of social workers.
F12:
CFS workers are evaluated for job performance once a year.
F13:
Confidentiality is used as justification by CFS to redact reports prior to distribution to authorized agencies, such as law enforcement.
F14:
There is no local independent review board that monitors CFS operations. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Children and Family Services 20
F15:
There are no instructions to guide teachers and administrators in determining if a transgender student asking for an accommodation is, in fact, transgender.
F16:
Staff development training for the protection of all student rights are offered. However, it was suggested by those interviewed more training would be helpful in supporting teachers and administrative staff.
F17:
Colton Unified School District is in the process of developing a District Student Handbook to be implemented by the 2016-2017 school year. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Transgender Support in Schools 50
F2016:
No other details on SDM were provided. It was disclosed in an interview with a County Counsel employee that no further action has ever been initiated by the trainers of CFS employees in order to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the training. Management stated that CFS employees are evaluated for job performance annually. In visits to CFS field offices it was learned that reports requested by law enforcement are routinely sent to County Counsel for review and redaction before being released. Law enforcement, during interviews, disclosed that redacted reports received from CFS obstruct criminal investigations. Management disclosed that all case reviews are conducted internally. FINDINGS 1. Client confidentiality and the appearance of intimidation is used as a justification by CFS management for not audio and/or video recording interviews.
Additional Recommendations
41
Not linked to specific findings.
R16-01:
Make late charges a line item report so they can be identified monthly and year-to-date.
R16-02:
Make incentive rebates a line item report indicating how and where they are applied monthly and year-to-date.
R16-03:
CFS begin a policy of audio and/or video tape recording interviews with adult clients.
R16-04:
Improve relations with law enforcement by expeditiously furnishing complete and un-redacted reports.
R16-05:
Require assigned law enforcement case officers to Child Dependency Court proceedings.
R16-06:
When requested, take steps to insure documents requested by a Grand Jury are furnished in the time specified.
R16-07:
When there is the slightest suspicion a child victim is in danger, family unification should not be a factor in any decision in the protection of the child(ren). These children should be referred to Child Assessment Center (CAC).
R16-08:
Furnish and train social workers on the use of instant drug kits to aid in determining if a parent is under the influence. When the parent is under the influence, and/or there is any danger to the child, immediately remove the child from the home.
R16-09:
Form a task force to determine the reasons for high social worker turnover. Review the entire personnel hiring process, including compensation, job requirements and working conditions to insure that CFS field offices are adequately staffed and caseloads are in line with the Child Welfare League of America recommendations. Work with higher education, public and private, to establish cooperative internships between CFS and the local Colleges/Universities.
R16-10:
Hire the remaining vacancies authorized by the Board of Supervisors for the Sr. SSP positions.
R16-11:
Stock nutritional food supplies in CFS field offices for children in transition. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Children and Family Services 21
R16-12:
Increase training of field workers with emphasis on accurate documentation writing.
R16-13:
Initiate a system of reviewing the effectiveness of training of CFS social workers.
R16-14:
Evaluate job performance of CFS social workers more frequently.
R16-15:
Review redaction policy on CFS reports given to law enforcement and authorized agencies.
R16-16:
A local independent Oversight Review Board (non CFS personnel) be established to monitor CFS operations.
R16-17:
Provide additional safety measures for personal self-defense. An expandable baton or a bite stick can protect an officer from being trapped and attacked by an animal or violent person.
R16-18:
Issue an identifiable raid vest for code officers. The vest should have the code division name identification on the back. This would be in the event of any necessary interactive investigations or actions with other agencies.
R16-19:
Provide full body hazardous materials suits and training to protect officers involved in contamination situation investigations.
R16-20:
Integrate first aid training as part of their annual training program. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – City of Chino Code Compliance Division 28
R16-21:
All necessary communication devices issued to code compliance officers and the information documented in them should be accessible by the CCD management staff and the City of Chino officials if necessary.
R16-22:
Integrate a bi-annual training course on first aid procedures.
R16-23:
Provide an expandable baton or bite stick for self-defense.
R16-24:
Supply full body hazmat type suits in addition to goggles, shoe covers to use during dangerous, unsafe, drug related, or health hazard investigations and inspections.
R16-25:
Erect concrete posts or vehicle barriers between the parking lot and the RDSD building to provide protection. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – City of Rialto Code Enforcement 33
R16-26:
Install bullet proof, one-way vision glass at the Code Enforcement Offices.
R16-27:
Provide Smartphones or iPads linked to the Code Enforcement computer system.
R16-28:
Issue bright color raid vests to easier identify Code officers during a police, fire, DEA, or Homeland Security interaction scene.
R16-29:
The Grand Jury is recommending that the FCL investigate public and private labs in the county to determine which agency conducts similar testing protocol as the county. The backlog rape kit cases can then be contracted out to those agencies.
R16-30:
The Grand Jury is recommending that the FCL adhere to the spirit contained in AB 1517 even though the bill lacks mandatory provisions. Coroner
R16-31:
The Grand Jury is recommending that the Sheriff/Coroner’s office fill vacant positions and offer incentives to make it more attractive for potential prospects to work in San Bernardino as opposed to other counties in the surrounding areas.
R16-32:
SBCSS create a task force to develop a unified manual to be used by administration and staff to protect the rights of students.
R16-33:
SBCSS create a task force to determine construction required and fiscal impact if county schools were required to redesign restrooms and locker rooms.
R16-34:
SBCSS create a task force to develop a unified student/parent handbook to ensure school site handbooks are consistent on topics important and common to all schools (discrimination, harassment, dress code etc.), while allowing school sites to customize for topics unique to individual schools.
R16-35:
Prior to the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year, convert as many restrooms as possible to unisex restrooms.
R16-36:
Include specific language acknowledging transgender or gender identity in all policies, procedures and documents relating to discrimination, harassment and bullying.
R16-37:
Staff development training in protecting the rights of all students be offered. Survey teachers and administrators in elementary, middle and high schools on training needs which they believe would increase their knowledge and ability to properly handle transgender situations.
R16-38:
Develop guidelines for determining if a student meets the definition of transgender in considering requests for accommodations.
R16-39:
Colton Joint Unified School District to complete their goal of developing and implementing a district student handbook by the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Transgender Support in Schools 51
R16-40:
Research history of firms that submit bids for similar projects.
R16-41:
Require weekly progress reports be submitted from selected contractors.
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Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
There are adequate checks and balances for the use of CAL-Cards in both school districts.
F2:
School districts determine which staff members will be given authorization to use CAL- Cards.
F3:
Policies and procedures require the CAL-Card to bear the name of the user and their work address.
F4:
CAL-Cards are issued by US Bank and regulated by the purchasing department at each school district pursuant to both the US Bank and the district CAL-Card user guide.
F5:
Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistant Team may be used to assist school district purchasing departments in directing the use of each CAL-Card.
F6:
Prohibited uses of the CAL-Card are listed in Department of General Services Procurement Division CAL-Card User Guide. The individual district’s list of prohibited items may differ. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – CAL-Cards 12
F7:
Travel and conference expenses require a Conference Request Form which must be pre- approved.
F8:
Checks and balances include regular audits by an accounting technician.
F9:
When the cardholder leaves a school but remains in the district, the CAL-Card may be kept by the user. When the user leaves the district the CAL-Card must be returned and cancelled.
F10:
There are no line item reports for late charges or incentive rebates.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R16-01:
Make late charges a line item report so they can be identified monthly and year-to-date.
R16-02:
Make incentive rebates a line item report indicating how and where they are applied monthly and year-to-date.
Findings & Recommendations
14 findings
F1:
Client confidentiality and the appearance of intimidation is used as a justification by CFS management for not audio and/or video recording interviews.
F2:
Law enforcement disclosed that working relations with CFS could be improved.
F3:
Law enforcement is not normally involved in Child Dependency Court proceedings.
F4:
Specific case files that were requested by the Grand Jury took over seven months to be received.
F5:
CFS focuses on family unification and working with families. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Children and Family Services 19
F6:
CFS workers in the field are not furnished instant drug testing kits that would assist them in determining if a parent is under the influence. CFS “best practices” in regard to parents observed to be under the influence “does not necessarily” result in children being removed from the home, or law enforcement being notified.
F7:
Social workers in the field have heavy caseloads and “tremendous turnover.”
F8:
Efforts to increase the ranks of Senior Social Services Practitioners have not been on track with the goal of hiring new Senior Social Services Practitioners as of April 2016.
F9:
Field offices maintain food supplies consisting of non-nutritional snacks for children awaiting transfer.
F10:
Continuous field training and documentation writing is essential for social workers.
F11:
No follow up system is in place by the trainers to assess the effectiveness of the training of social workers.
F12:
CFS workers are evaluated for job performance once a year.
F13:
Confidentiality is used as justification by CFS to redact reports prior to distribution to authorized agencies, such as law enforcement.
F14:
There is no local independent review board that monitors CFS operations. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Children and Family Services
Additional Recommendations
9
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
First field office - caseloads were 30-45, but one case worker reported having 60 cases
R2:
Second field office - caseloads were reported as 42-43
R3:
Third field office - caseloads were 55-60, and there were 43 vacancies at the time of the visit, which was approximately 22% of the budgeted CFS work force in this office The Child Welfare League of America recommends caseworkers handle no more than 12 cases involving investigation, 17 cases of family preservation and 12-15 foster care cases. In a written report given by CFS management it was noted that the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, in September 2014, created the position of Senior Social Service Practitioners (Sr. SSP) to provide coaching, mentoring and training for “newer” social workers. It was planned to hire 65 of the Sr. SSP. At the time of the October 20, 2015 interview with CFS senior managers only two of the 65 authorized Sr. SSP had been hired. Later, in April 2016, it was reported by CFS management that CFS had “promoted 28 employees to Sr. SSP, and that there were 42 vacancies, with approximately 24 potential candidates for interviews.” In interviews with law enforcement and County Counsel it was stated that more training of social workers is needed, particularly in accurate documentation writing. A large number of new social workers require extensive training. Risk assessment training is provided to CFS social workers by the County Counsel office. This training was “started in September 2014 and was implemented because problems in CFS that resulted in the death of children.” Risk Assessment Training consists of a six point plan which is outlined in the Fundamental of Best Practices:
R4:
Civil Liability training
R5:
Regional staff training
R6:
Critical thinking/assessment training
R7:
Improve Risk Assessment Meetings (RAM) 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Children and Family Services 18
R8:
Referring all high risk referrals to a RAM
R9:
Expand criteria for referrals to Children’s Assessment Centers A new program, Structured Decision Making (SDM), is being implemented in the spring of 2016. No other details on SDM were provided. It was disclosed in an interview with a County Counsel employee that no further action has ever been initiated by the trainers of CFS employees in order to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the training. Management stated that CFS employees are evaluated for job performance annually. In visits to CFS field offices it was learned that reports requested by law enforcement are routinely sent to County Counsel for review and redaction before being released. Law enforcement, during interviews, disclosed that redacted reports received from CFS obstruct criminal investigations. Management disclosed that all case reviews are conducted internally.
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Full Details →
Additional Recommendations
14
Not linked to specific findings.
R16-03:
CFS begin a policy of audio and/or video tape recording interviews with adult clients.
R16-04:
Improve relations with law enforcement by expeditiously furnishing complete and un-redacted reports.
R16-05:
Require assigned law enforcement case officers to Child Dependency Court proceedings.
R16-06:
When requested, take steps to insure documents requested by a Grand Jury are furnished in the time specified.
R16-07:
When there is the slightest suspicion a child victim is in danger, family unification should not be a factor in any decision in the protection of the child(ren). These children should be referred to Child Assessment Center (CAC).
R16-08:
Furnish and train social workers on the use of instant drug kits to aid in determining if a parent is under the influence. When the parent is under the influence, and/or there is any danger to the child, immediately remove the child from the home.
R16-09:
Form a task force to determine the reasons for high social worker turnover. Review the entire personnel hiring process, including compensation, job requirements and working conditions to insure that CFS field offices are adequately staffed and caseloads are in line with the Child Welfare League of America recommendations. Work with higher education, public and private, to establish cooperative internships between CFS and the local Colleges/Universities.
R16-10:
Hire the remaining vacancies authorized by the Board of Supervisors for the Sr. SSP positions.
R16-11:
Stock nutritional food supplies in CFS field offices for children in transition. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Children and Family Services
R16-12:
Increase training of field workers with emphasis on accurate documentation writing.
R16-13:
Initiate a system of reviewing the effectiveness of training of CFS social workers.
R16-14:
Evaluate job performance of CFS social workers more frequently.
R16-15:
Review redaction policy on CFS reports given to law enforcement and authorized agencies.
R16-16:
A local independent Oversight Review Board (non CFS personnel) be established to monitor CFS operations.
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
The widening of Lugonia Avenue and Orange Street was required before construction of the first phase could begin.
F2:
The project also received additional funds with a four percent tax credit, tax-exempt bonds, and loans from the public and private sectors, including banks.
F3:
HACSB and HPI Inc. allocated 25 percent of the original overall construction cost to the modular supply contractor who ultimately failed to perform. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Valencia Grove Community Project 55
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R16-40:
Research history of firms that submit bids for similar projects.
R16-41:
Require weekly progress reports be submitted from selected contractors.
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Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
The City of Chino provides code officers the training necessary to be appointed to the CCD.
F2:
Certification in P.C. 832 for arrest and seizure is required by all field officers.
F3:
Training in de-escalation procedures has been an effective tool in the performance of their duties for all officers interviewed.
F4:
Information stored in the city’s database for the CCD is helpful in determining if a cautious approach should be taken during the initiation of an inspection.
F5:
Field officers are issued reporting documentation devices and a smartphone. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – City of Chino Code Compliance Division 27
F6:
While some first aid is given during the course of training, First Aid Certification is not a requirement for the job.
F7:
All interviewed expressed that they used their past educational and/or past private industry experience to assimilate to the work in CCD.
F8:
Expandable batons or bite sticks to fend off surprise attacks from violent animals or people are not provided by the division.
F9:
Under or over the shirt kevlar vests are not provided to field officers.
F10:
Field officers approach the potential code violators in a friendly and cautious manner.
Additional Recommendations
5
Not linked to specific findings.
R16-17:
Provide additional safety measures for personal self-defense. An expandable baton or a bite stick can protect an officer from being trapped and attacked by an animal or violent person.
R16-18:
Issue an identifiable raid vest for code officers. The vest should have the code division name identification on the back. This would be in the event of any necessary interactive investigations or actions with other agencies.
R16-19:
Provide full body hazardous materials suits and training to protect officers involved in contamination situation investigations.
R16-20:
Integrate first aid training as part of their annual training program. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – City of Chino Code Compliance Division
R16-21:
All necessary communication devices issued to code compliance officers and the information documented in them should be accessible by the CCD management staff and the City of Chino officials if necessary.
Additional Recommendations
8
Not linked to specific findings.
R16-32:
SBCSS create a task force to develop a unified manual to be used by administration and staff to protect the rights of students.
R16-33:
SBCSS create a task force to determine construction required and fiscal impact if county schools were required to redesign restrooms and locker rooms.
R16-34:
SBCSS create a task force to develop a unified student/parent handbook to ensure school site handbooks are consistent on topics important and common to all schools (discrimination, harassment, dress code etc.), while allowing school sites to customize for topics unique to individual schools.
R16-35:
Prior to the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year, convert as many restrooms as possible to unisex restrooms.
R16-36:
Include specific language acknowledging transgender or gender identity in all policies, procedures and documents relating to discrimination, harassment and bullying.
R16-37:
Staff development training in protecting the rights of all students be offered. Survey teachers and administrators in elementary, middle and high schools on training needs which they believe would increase their knowledge and ability to properly handle transgender situations.
R16-38:
Develop guidelines for determining if a student meets the definition of transgender in considering requests for accommodations.
R16-39:
Colton Joint Unified School District to complete their goal of developing and implementing a district student handbook by the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – Transgender Support in Schools
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Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
Social skills are used to interact with the public.
F2:
All interviewed have used their educational background and past experience for their job in code enforcement.
F3:
Training and certification are necessary to provide the required services to the city and its residents.
F4:
The existence of large windows facing the parking lot is a safety risk to personnel.
F5:
Formal first aid training is not required by the department.
F6:
Expandable batons, bite sticks, or raid vests are not provided.
F7:
Full body hazardous material suits are not provided.
F8:
Smartphones or iPads are not available to all field officers.
Additional Recommendations
10
Not linked to specific findings.
R16-22:
Integrate a bi-annual training course on first aid procedures.
R16-23:
Provide an expandable baton or bite stick for self-defense.
R16-24:
Supply full body hazmat type suits in addition to goggles, shoe covers to use during dangerous, unsafe, drug related, or health hazard investigations and inspections.
R16-25:
Erect concrete posts or vehicle barriers between the parking lot and the RDSD building to provide protection. 2015-2016 San Bernardino County Grand Jury – City of Rialto Code Enforcement
R16-26:
Install bullet proof, one-way vision glass at the Code Enforcement Offices.
R16-27:
Provide Smartphones or iPads linked to the Code Enforcement computer system.
R16-28:
Issue bright color raid vests to easier identify Code officers during a police, fire, DEA, or Homeland Security interaction scene.
R16-29:
The Grand Jury is recommending that the FCL investigate public and private labs in the county to determine which agency conducts similar testing protocol as the county. The backlog rape kit cases can then be contracted out to those agencies.
R16-30:
The Grand Jury is recommending that the FCL adhere to the spirit contained in AB 1517 even though the bill lacks mandatory provisions. Coroner
R16-31:
The Grand Jury is recommending that the Sheriff/Coroner’s office fill vacant positions and offer incentives to make it more attractive for potential prospects to work in San Bernardino as opposed to other counties in the surrounding areas.