High Caseloads, Staff Turnover Hamper DCFS' Ability to Operate Foster Care Program

Auditors examining the Department of Children and Family Services’ oversight of its Foster Care Program found that the Department struggles with high caseloads and staff turnover, which affects employees’ ability to ensure the safety and well-being of children in foster care, the Legislative Auditor said in a report released today. In addition, auditors found that the Department did not ensure required background checks were performed for prospective foster care providers and that some foster care providers had previous valid cases of abuse or neglect.

The performance audit was conducted in response to a 2016 report by the Governor’s Transition Committee on Children and Family Services that concluded a departmental reorganization in 2010 and years of budget cuts had resulted in funding and staffing crises that could have a devastating impact on the Department’s ability to serve children in need.

Auditors found that low staffing levels, high caseloads, frequent staff turnover, the ability to retain foster parents, and ineffective data systems are some of the challenges the Department faces, the state auditor said. For example, from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2016, the number of children in foster care increased, while the number of foster care field staff decreased. In addition, caseworkers had an average of 16 cases in 2016, which exceeded the maximum of 10 cases established by Department policy.

The Department also did not always ensure that non-certified foster care providers underwent the required criminal background checks. In fiscal year 2016, 158 (34.1 percent) of 464 non-certified providers did not receive timely criminal background checks, while 134 (28.9 percent) had received no background checks as of December 31, 2016. Auditors found as well that the Department allowed nine certified providers with prior valid cases of abuse or neglect to care for foster children during fiscal years 2012 to 2016 without obtaining the required waivers.

In addition, auditors found that the children in foster care did not always receive the services needed to address their physical and behavioral health issues. According to Medicaid data, of the 2,808 foster children who entered care in 2016, 1,077 (38.4 percent) did not receive an initial medical visit within seven days, as required by policy. Auditors also noted that in fiscal year 2016, 17.9 percent of foster children in care for less than 12 months had three or more placements, compared to the national median of 14.4 percent.