Child welfare advocacy groups, families, and representatives from the county Department of Health and Human Services and the Countywide Services Agency gathered before the Board of Supervisors on March 31 to discuss the findings of an independent review of Child Protective Services’ policies and practices. The report was prepared by MGT of America, Inc.

The report recommended a number of system improvements, some of them already in place, as well as a recommendation that CPS get  assistance in facilitating change by bringing in an outside expert. 

In their response, CPS administrators outlined recent improvements already boosting the agency’s performance, and explained how staff is addressing MGT’s findings. 

At the end of the meeting, the Countywide Services Agency outlined an action plan for implementing suggested improvements, including:

• Assigning individuals responsible for each recommendation
• Expected timelines for completion of recommendations
• Status reports on issues requiring ongoing action
• Status reports on developing a contract with an expert in organizational change
• Status reports on improving the CPS technology purchase process
• Periodic off-agenda reports to the Board of Supervisors, the County Executive Officer, the Children’s Oversight Committee and CPS employees
• Semi-annual written reports to the Board of Supervisors
• Annual presentations to the Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors accepted the report and requested that CPS come back in 90 days with a report on its progress in implementing the work plan.

Below are links to materials presented at the meeting.