Welfare Watch - February 08, 2011 - DHS Commissioner Testifies before House Committee
Clyde Reese, Commissioner of DHS, testified today before the House Children and Youth Committee. He spoke for 25 minutes before the Committee about his vision and the direction for DHS in his administration. He introduced his key staff, spoke of the Department reorganization and articulated his understanding of the mission of DHS. Job one for the Department is to protect the health and safety of children and support families in their care.
The Office of Child Support is the primary arm of
the State to assist non-custodial parents in supporting their children who are
in the care of the custodial parent. These are children who find
themselves in the care of one parent because of divorce, separation or birth to
a
single parent. The Commissioner said that it is important for the
Department to assist these parents in staying connected to their parents and
that the custodial parent receive support for their care. He believes that
Problem Solving Courts could be a terrific resource in helping children stay
connected and resolving problems in these families in an effective and efficient
manner. He wants to see their growth in the State.
The Division of Family and Children Services has experienced the most change in recent years. There has been a 50% reduction in the number of children in foster care. This means that more children have been "diverted" from foster care into the care of their families. He is concerned that the "drive for numbers" may have put some children at risk. In his administration, the "drive for numbers will not be a primary concern." His concern will be for the quality, safety and best practice for children and families. The practice of "diversion" will get a "hard look." This practice exists in many states and is often called "alternative response." The purpose is to keep children in their families. This practice needs to be done when children can be reunited with their families in a safe manner. The safety of children will be his number one consideration in establishing best practices around child welfare.
He is concern about his staff. This fiscal crisis has impacted morale and what the Department can do. DHS can only do what we are required by law to do, no more. The staff have not received a cost of living adjustment for more than 3 years. They are DHS' primary protective source. Presently, DHS is taking two furloughs days per month. He is committed to ending all furloughs. "As long as DHS has a furlough, I will have a furlough," said the Commissioner.
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Welfare Watch, an email newsletter of the
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Association of Homes
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Normer Adams, Editor
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