header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


antonovich050113a

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich

UPDATE June 25, 2013: Board Green-lights New Commission

 

[Supv. Antonovich] – The Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Michael D. Antonovich establishing a Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Protection to develop a corrective action plan which includes cooperation among law enforcement agencies, the schools, and County departments, along with examining the policies and procedures related to staff discipline, promotion, and the memoranda of understanding.

“This action affirms the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to the safety and well-being of the children in the County’s care,” said Antonovich.

 

[Supv. Don Knabe] – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider a motion to establish a Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Protection at its meeting today. Supervisor Don Knabe issued the following statement regarding the proposed commission: “Over the last several years, we have had countless commissions, groups, panels and advisory boards provide us with recommendations for improving child protection services in Los Angeles County. By my approximate count, at least 859 suggestions have been provided, most of which say the same thing: we must ensure that our social workers have manageable and realistic caseloads, we must give our employees the training and resources they need to be effective, and we must end our relationships with service providers who abuse our funds. We are drowning in recommendations. Adding yet another commission to the galaxy of commissions we have to tell us what we already know will be a waste of time and money and will only distract us further from what needs to be fixed. We have a department where 99% of the employees are outstanding public servants working in some really tough situations. However, innocent children have paid the ultimate price when we didn’t get it right, and I am sick about it. There should be a zero-tolerance policy for any staff or any service providers who do not do their jobs and expose children to harm. I am not suggesting that we do nothing. But we should not rashly dismiss our current efforts. Late last year, this Board was presented with a strategic plan developed by DCFS to put in place a set of action items that address a number of the systemic problems that compromise child safety and hamper our workers’ ability to get the job done. This Board approved that plan, and it is moving forward. We have no more important job than protecting the most vulnerable children in this county. Another Commission will not address the problems we face or set us on a path to the future. In fact, it will be a distraction to the very important work at hand. We know what must be done and we must remain committed to the course we set.”

 

Original story:

Fifth District Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and board Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas are calling on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to create a blue-ribbon commission to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services in the context of its responsibility to ensure the safety of foster children.

The motion they will present to the board at its Tuesday meeting reads as follows:

 

MOTION BY SUPERVISORS MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS AND MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH

ESTABLISHING A BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON CHILD PROTECTION

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is charged with the safety and protection of neglected and abused children within Los Angeles County (County). In that role, it provides services to families and children in crisis through other County departments and community professionals. DCFS is responsible for ensuring that services are integrated and coordinated amongst all these entities for the ultimate safety of the children in its care.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

Once again, DCFS is under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of Foster Family Agency contracts, and for the recent death of Gabriel F., (age 8), who was allegedly tortured and abused by his mother and her boyfriend. In Gabriel F.’s case, there appear to have been repeated reports of abuse and neglect preceding his death. Just four years ago, Dae’von B., (age 6), was found dead in his home despite repeated reports of reports of abuse in the preceding months. Two years ago, Erica J., (age 2), died of massive trauma inflicted by her mother’s boyfriend. DCFS had determined that leaving the child in the mother’s care was a “high” risk, but failed to remove her because allegations of abuse were unfounded.

These tragic incidents are not new to the Board of Supervisors (Board). As far back as 1993, in an effort to maximize child protection accountability, the Board established the Commission for Children and Families. In 1996, the Board established the Children’s Services Inspector General, the predecessor entity to the Children’s Special Investigation Unit (CSIU), which was established in 2008. In 2010, the Board also called for improved collection of data on child fatalities, and ordered improvements to enable social workers to access vital data on children in danger. In 2011, the Board voted to directly oversee DCFS.

In 2012, CSIU issued a lengthy report identifying systemic flaws in the County’s child protection safety network. The CSIU report on 13 child fatality incidents cited poor investigations, followed by poor decision making, failed communications, and finally, lax supervision and management within DCFS as “Recurring Systemic Issues”, which caused deadly failures in the County’s child protection duties. The recurring problems identified by CSIU appear to have been factors in the alleged mishandling of Gabriel F.’s case.

There is widespread agreement among the Board, DCFS leadership, social workers and citizen activists that the child welfare system and the manner of investigating critical cases of child abuse is dysfunctional. The current system does not serve the best interests of the child, the family or the community at large.

Further, there is widespread agreement that child safety investigations can be improved by better training, management, support for and accountability of social workers, as well as improved communications between schools, police agencies, probation staff, DCFS and other key stakeholders in the County’s child safety network.

Notwithstanding the absence of controversy over the need for such reforms, the results of the County’s attempts to implement are unclear or arguably inadequate.

Since 2008, the Board has passed approximately 35-40 child safety motions. The CSIU through its work and previous studies by outside experts have prescribed numerous policies for improving the County’s performance in handling critical child abuse incidents, as well as how to consistently serve the children under the County’s responsibility. DCFS continues to work toward the implementation of its strategic plan but these efforts have and continue to fall short of expectations.

It is now time for the Board to seek an independent review of the obstacles to effectively execute much needed child protection reforms through the appointment of a Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Protection (Commission).

WE THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

1. Create a Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Protection. Two members shall be appointed by each Supervisor by July 1, 2013. The Commission’s mandate shall include the following:

a. Review previously delayed or failed efforts to implement reforms and provide recommendations for a feasible plan of action to expeditiously implement needed reforms;

b. Review the systemic, structural and organizational barriers to effective performance. These may include such factors as the current structure, scope of DCFS and relevant County departments, including the departments of Health Services, Mental Health, Public Health, and Sheriff, the District Attorney, the Dependency Court and commissions, various memoranda of understanding, and the relationship of DCFS to the Board; and

c. Review, at its discretion, the child protection failures, including  DCFS policies and cases.

2. Authorize DCFS and all relevant County agencies, County Counsel and the Chief Executive Officer to provide full cooperation to the Commission, including access to personnel records and other records to the fullest extent allowed by law;

3. Direct the Executive Officer of the Board, County Counsel and the Chief Executive Officer to recommend a staffing and funding plan for the  Commission, including provisions for office space and equipment. The  staff shall combine dedicated paid staff with pro bono professional support  as well as assistance from County administrative staff. The Commission  members shall serve for six months with the request that they submit their recommendations to the Board in writing by the end of this calendar year. After which, the commission will sunset.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

1 Comment

  1. Gwaag Freebird says:

    I’ll give you an independent review myself. Your investigators are lazy and corrupt and would rather spend time building cases on people based on personal discretion than actually find and investigate incidents of abuse. Guaranteed that ss worker in Palmdale was too busy running around playing the violation of constitutional rights game and intimidation with grandmothers and concerned relatives rather than responding to a squashed hotline abuse call. Your priorities to protect children are financially based. It’s not a system of care, it’s a financial industry where our children are used and the funds squeezed out of them to feed your families. Anyone who works in this field is responsible for it. Now the public is becoming aware of this, dcfs is a farce, even all of you know it.

Leave a Comment


LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEADLINES
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is hosting March Meowness promotion where all cat adoptions are just $15 from now until April 9.
Friday, Mar 22, 2024
The Music Center announced that 114 of Southern California’s most talented high school students, including three from the Santa Clarita Valley, have advanced to become semifinalists in The Music Center’s 36th Annual Spotlight program, a free, nationally acclaimed performing arts competition, scholarship and artistic development program for teens.

Keep Up With Our Facebook
Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDEC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
College of the Canyons women's tennis played to a convincing 7-2 conference win over Ventura College on Moica to strengthen its potential playoff resume.
Canyons Closes Out Ventura 7-2 in Final Home Match
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Latino Business Alliance at the Cinco de Mayo Networking Celebration on Tuesday, May 7.
May 7: Latino Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Celebration
SCVNews.com