Report to show shortfalls in care of kids

Wednesday, June 2, 2004 | 9:33 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A federal report is slated to be released today detailing the deficiencies in the state's system for child care, including a finding that abused and neglected children are kept too long in shelters before being placed in foster homes.

The report, by the federal Administration for Children and Families, is expected to say the state must prepare a correction plan within 90 days and make the changes within two years. If the state fails, the federal government may withhold $368,955 in federal funds.

Jone Bosworth, administrator of the state Division of Child and Family Services, received a letter Tuesday from the federal agency, notifying her the final report is on its way.

Federal inspectors already detailed some of the shortcomings of the system in February at what is called the "exit interview."

"We have to realign how we use money for families," Bosworth said Tuesday. "We have to keep kids at home safe whenever possible."

The federal inspectors, in a preliminary report, said children who are taken into custody by the division because they are abused or neglected stay in shelters too long. And there is a long backlog in court cases to terminate the rights of parents.

In addition, the state must provide standard care and treatment of youngsters. Right now the quality of care varies from county to county.

Bosworth said there needs to be a "cultural change" in the way the division works. It must shift some of its resources to support parents who keep their children. At present a lot of money spent is on programs after the child is taken from the home.

No state has passed the federal inspection, Bosworth said. She said she doubted Nevada could get into 100 percent compliance within two years, but it can and will improve the system.

In addition to its corrections plan due in 90 days, the state must provide a five-year comprehensive program. Bosworth said that in April there was a conference of judges, parents and others who made recommendations for the five-year plan.

Bosworth said the 90-day improvement plan, although separate, would be woven into the five-year effort.

Sharon Fujii, regional administrator of the federal agency, said the inspections took place the week of Feb. 23, when 49 cases were reviewed and interviews with those involved completed.

The federal report found the state agency was in substantial conformity in its statewide information system, training, agency responsiveness to the community and foster and adoptive parent licensing.

In the June 1 letter, Fujii said the inspectors found many strengths, including training for all staff, current and prospective foster and adoptive parents; placing siblings together in foster care; and providing a process for periodic review of the status of each child.

Bosworth said the division must be given flexibility in how it spends its money.