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Memorandum <br /> <br />To: Jim Cook <br /> <br />From: Connie Polk <br /> <br />Date: March 9, 2004 <br /> <br />Re: <br /> <br />Child Welfare Caseloads <br /> <br />Over the last several months I have been quite concerned by the increasing <br />caseloads in many areas of child welfare. In assessing this situation, we have <br />been unable to contain and work down caseloads in CPS Investigations and <br />Foster Care to levels that are manageable and near state-recommended <br />standards. CPS Investigations is currently averaging a caseload of 28 with the <br />standard being 12. The two placement units are averaging 17 cases per worker <br />with the assistance of two temporary staff members. The standard is 15 cases <br />for the Placement unit. Also, an additional 15 placement cases are awaiting <br />assignment from CPS units and are currently being worked by supervisors and/or <br />CPS staff. Given the current caseloads, I am fearful that conditions exist that <br />increases the likelihood of a child tragedy or fatality. <br /> <br />As you are aware, the CPS units have experienced vacancies in 6 out of 12 <br />positions due to resignations, FMLA and the temporary re-assignment of one <br />worker to a foster care caseload during the period 9-03 through 2-04. During that <br />time, accepted investigations continued at approximately 110 per month resulting <br />in higher caseloads among existing staff. We have also had an unusually high <br />number of cases involving petitions, which are considerably more time <br />consuming. In the placement units, the number of children in our custody has <br />increased to approximately 250 children. These increases in foster care can be <br />attributed to the severe and chronic substance abuse issues, lack of sufficient <br />court time and appeals of court decisions. Due to these issues, 2 children were <br />returned home and 9 adoptions were finalized last year. As a result of the <br />increases in placement, our foster care budget is experiencing a short fall of <br />funding. An increase of $1 million dollars is needed in the foster care budget for <br />FY 2003-2004 to cover foster care board payments for the remainder of the year. <br /> <br />Cabarrus County DSS 1303 South Cannon Blvd Kannapolis, North Carolina 28083 <br /> Telephone Number: 704-920-1400 FAX Number: 704-920-1401 <br /> <br /> <br />