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The report addresses the need for the
Division to improve its investigations of child abuse and neglect reports.
Investigations are a critical first step to ensuring children’s safety and
well-being. As such, it is important that investigations be timely as any
delay may further jeopardize children’s safety. Likewise, it is important
that the investigation of the circumstances leading to the CPS report be
thorough so that the services and supports needed to ensure safety and
well-being can be provided.
The report found that even though the
Division is statutorily required to investigate all reports in a prompt and
thorough manner, some reports were not investigated, and many reports that
were investigated did not meet statutory or division requirements for
timeliness and thoroughness. The Division believes that unmanageable
workloads, staff turnover, and the limited experience of some CPS
supervisors and newly hired investigators are the primary contributing
factors to its investigation problems and continues to take steps to address
these issues. However, since these factors are likely to continue,
additional meaningful changes are needed, including streamlining the
investigation process and establishing effective oversight and
accountability mechanisms.
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