Report outlines problems in county Family Services Department

By Kyle B. Hansen

Friday, Dec. 3, 2010 | 3:31 p.m.

The Clark County Department of Family Services released a 235-page report today responding to problems in the department and making recommendations for changes.

The report is the result of a review of 82 child welfare cases presented in June by the county district attorney’s office to the Legislative Subcommittee on Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice.

The cases involve 190 children, many of whom had repeat involvement with child welfare services, the report says, but it also notes that the cases represent just .003 percent of the 75,000 children who have received services in the past three years.

The department identified 17 systematic issues and proposes solutions to each, most being suggestions to update or make new policies or procedures, or to work better with partners.

However, the report also says there is a “natural tension” between the department and its criminal justice partners.

“Child welfare agencies, while involved in ensuring public safety, are not criminal justice agencies, but rather human service agencies,” the report says.

The department’s cases are heard in family court, not criminal court, but it relies on law enforcement agencies to function.

The department’s management is “committed to initiating reform from within DFS where necessary,” the report says, but adds that providing child welfare services is complex, and many partners are involved that need to help resolve some issues.