RIDLEY-THOMAS: IMPROVE QUALITY & AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES FOR AT-RISK CHILDREN & FAMILIES IN DCFS SYSTEM

 

  NEWS

                                         Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

                                                                               L.A. County Board of Supervisors, 2^nd District

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

April 28, 2009                                                                                                                         Contact:     Aurelio Rojas          James Bolden

                                                                                                                                                                        213-974-2222         213-200-5314                  

                                                                                                                                          

RIDLEY-THOMAS CALLS FOR 30-DAY REPORT TO IMPROVE QUALITY &

AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES FOR AT-RISK CHILDREN & FAMILIES IN DCFS SYSTEM 

 

Many of the recently reported deaths occurred in the Second District

 

LOS ANGELES – Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas today called for a report that will include recommendations for improving the quality and availability of services for at-risk children and enhancing training for county social workers to better protect children in their care.

 

In the past few weeks, much public discussion has taken place concerning the tragic deaths of children who were under the care and responsibility of the Department of Children and Family Services, many of which occurred in the Second Supervisorial District. 

 

“These discussions should be encouraged among all stakeholders in order for the Board of Supervisors to examine and review best practices and develop policies that will not only protect the children, but also help them to thrive and lead productive and happier lives,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas stated in his four-page proposal.

 

     “In order for the Board to craft sound and effective policy, data and information must be collected, organized, and analyzed, to make informed decisions,” the Supervisor added. “This data and information should be shared confidentiality -- when appropriate -- with the paramount concern for the protection of the health and safety of children in our care.” 

 

The Supervisor directed the County’s Chief Executive Officer, in conjunction with the Director of DCFS and the Chief Probation Officer, to report back within 30 days with recommendations on establishing baselines to aid in the development of measurements for performance to assure accountability of those personnel responsible for children under DCFS’s care.

 

 “It is our understanding that a report from the Chief Executive Officer on this issue is forthcoming, and this report, with its recommendations, and the anticipated hiring of the lead attorney in the Children‘s Special Investigations Unit, will be a large step forward in protecting those under our care,”  Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said.  “We must be better equipped to serve and protect these children.”

 

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