Latest Indiana DCS Review Update Identifies Strengths, Weaknesses

By Mike Perleberg (Indianapolis, Ind.) – The Indiana Department of Child Services is facing a shortage of mental health and substance abuse treatment services, a non-profit hired to evaluate the agency. The Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group released Thursday an interim report on its assessment of DCS, which has been under additional scrutiny since the resignation of former DCS Director Mary Beth Bonaventura. The consultants have spoken with 141 people over the course of 99 interviews since January 3. Challenges identified include DCS legal representation. “Interviewees question whether a sufficient number of experienced attorneys work at DCS to ensure timely and appropriate court processes are conducted,” CWG’s report notes. Other challenges discovered by CWG include qualifications and preparation of case managers and supervisors, customer service, shortage of mental health and substance abuse treatment resources in the state, and centralization of decision-making authority. CWG says the problems found are also typical in other states, although they found the number of Indiana children placed in out-of-home care is double the national average rate. Strengths found by CWG include an atmosphere of hope. “Many interviewees expressed an optimism about DCS’ new leadership and a renewed interest from state leaders. Interviewees specifically remarked on opportunities to improve agency performance and outcomes for children and families,” the update states. Other strengths are the agency’s dedicated and hard-working caseworkers and supervisors, and collaboration with other state agencies. An initial progress report from CWG was released February 1. The consultant’s final report is expected to be released in June. RELATED STORIES: Consultant Gives First Report On Indiana Dept. Of Child Services Problems House Speaker: Something Systematically Wrong With Indiana Dept. Of Child Services Indiana’s Struggling Child Welfare System To Test Holcomb Holcomb Disputes Child Welfare Chief’s Claims Child Abuse, Neglect Deaths Rise In Indiana