RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CHILD WELFARE REVIEW PANEL'S CALL TO ACTION REPORT (5/17/07)

(click here to download a copy of the full report)

The Community Oversight Board is monitoring the implementation of the following recommendations:

I. Mission and Values

• DHS must develop a mission statement and core values that are centered on child safety.

• DHS core values must embody the following principles:
  • Creating a culture of respect, compassions and professionalism.
  • Enhancing communication with and responsiveness to, stakeholders.
  • Instilling a greater sense of urgency among DHS staff and providers.
  • providing services that are readily accessible.
  • Fostering a culture of collaboration.
  • Providing culturally-competent services.
  • Creating a transparent agency

• DHS must align prevention programs and resources with the mission and values developed in Phase One, and also with the core principle of ensuring child safety.

• DHS must align more effectively in-home service programs and their utilization with the mission and values of DHS and with child safety.

• DHS must implement and use an appropriate Safety Assessment tool.
  • Implement an adequate evidence-based safety assessment tool.
  • Conduct a safety assessment for every child within its care.

• DHS must revise its policies around face-to-face contacts with children.
  • Immediate (within 2 hours) face-to-face visits with children 5 and under for whom a report of suspected abuse or neglect is receoved by the Hotline.
  • Monthly face-to-face contacts with children 5 and younger.

• DHS must establish a mechanism and process to establish ongoing community oversight.

• DHS must ensure ongoing community participation and input into the improvements undertaken at DHS.

• Continue to expand its emphasis on making DHS a more transparent agency.

• DHS must take positive steps to enhance the healthiness of its infrastructure and staff morale.

• DHS must enhance its ability to manage crisis, including strengthening processes related to child death reviews and increasing public access to information.