Department of Economic Security - Division of Children, Youth and Families - Child Protective Services - Caseloads and Training

This audit assesses five issues involving Child Protective Services (CPS) as specified by the Legislature: whether caseloads are in-line with Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) standards; changes in new case manager training; the adequacy of supervisory oversight and training; barriers to permanency; and the use of concurrent case planning.

Auditors found that average caseloads for most CPS case managers were 12 or fewer cases on June 30, 2001 and 2003. To ensure accurate staffing projections, CPS needs to modify its case management system to allow it to classify cases according to the three CWLA caseload standards it uses, include in its caseloads only active cases, and include all staff who regularly manage cases. CPS should also address factors, such as case manager retention, that may hinder effective caseload management. Case manager training has increased since 2001, but CPS needs more practical exercises. CPS also needs to improve case manager supervisory oversight, including determining an appropriate supervisor-to-staff ratio and improving supervisory training. Finally, CPS needs to fully implement its concurrent case-planning policy to further improve children’s permanency outcomes. Concurrent case planning is a permanency planning practice that simultaneously pursues both family reunification and an alternate plan, such as adoption.