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The Division can take steps to better ensure the safety and well-being of children living in group settings known as congregate care including shelters, group homes, and residential treatment centers (RTCs). Specifically, the Division should improve the timeliness of its investigations of CPS reports alleging abuse and neglect of children in group homes and shelters so that threats are mitigated promptly. The Division should also seek a statutory amendment that would clarify CPS has the authority to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect in RTCs so that information on substantiated instances of abuse is entered into the State’s central registry and is considered when conducting background checks of prospective congregate care employees having direct contact with children. In addition, the Division should implement changes to increase the effectiveness of outcome monitoring as a means to help ensure quality congregate care services.
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