Wex Wimpy
September 2nd 03, 06:43 PM
Backlog blunder
FLORIDA TODAY
Department of Children and Families Secretary Jerry Regier has bragged
of how swiftly his agency reduced the number of backlogged cases from
35,000 in September 2002 to 2,000 now.
And, DCF claimed, "quality assurance measures in each district were
implemented" to make sure cases were thoroughly investigated before
being closed.
But it turns out that's not quite what happened.
An internal audit of the methodology used by caseworkers charged with
quickly investigating abuse and neglect reports shows hundreds of
at-risk kids were merely swept under the carpet.
In up to 13.6 percent of the newly closed cases examined, auditors
found that children in question were left at "Priority 1" risk,
meaning their safety could not be assured.
In other words, to meet quotas for reducing the backlog -- and to make
itself look good -- DCF has again reneged on its duty to care for some
of Florida's most vulnerable young citizens.
This latest disgrace follows the release of a federal study that gave
Florida's child-protection system failing grades, and Regier's
ill-advised acceptance of a position in a friend's state Senate
campaign in Oklahoma, from which he has resigned.
That's three strikes in a month for Regier, who should now direct his
agency to re-examine all cases closed prematurely on at-risk kids, or
step away from the plate.
http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/opedstoryA10730A.htm
FLORIDA TODAY
Department of Children and Families Secretary Jerry Regier has bragged
of how swiftly his agency reduced the number of backlogged cases from
35,000 in September 2002 to 2,000 now.
And, DCF claimed, "quality assurance measures in each district were
implemented" to make sure cases were thoroughly investigated before
being closed.
But it turns out that's not quite what happened.
An internal audit of the methodology used by caseworkers charged with
quickly investigating abuse and neglect reports shows hundreds of
at-risk kids were merely swept under the carpet.
In up to 13.6 percent of the newly closed cases examined, auditors
found that children in question were left at "Priority 1" risk,
meaning their safety could not be assured.
In other words, to meet quotas for reducing the backlog -- and to make
itself look good -- DCF has again reneged on its duty to care for some
of Florida's most vulnerable young citizens.
This latest disgrace follows the release of a federal study that gave
Florida's child-protection system failing grades, and Regier's
ill-advised acceptance of a position in a friend's state Senate
campaign in Oklahoma, from which he has resigned.
That's three strikes in a month for Regier, who should now direct his
agency to re-examine all cases closed prematurely on at-risk kids, or
step away from the plate.
http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/opedstoryA10730A.htm