Investigation Critical Of Management
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento County Grand Jury strongly criticized the county Child Protective Services agency in a report released Wednesday.
The title of the report, titled "Nothing ever changes -- ever," cited repeated areas of improvement in CPS that have, according to the grand jury, been long overlooked.
Document: Grand Jury Report
The grand jury said it heard promises in the past that CPS was studying and working on problems. But, the jury discovered that nothing really changed.
The jury launched its latest investigation of CPS on the heels of the child abuse death of 4-year-old Jahmaurae Allen, allegedly at the hands of his mother's boyfriend, in July of 2008.
The jury found persistent, recurring and systemic problems resulting in child abuse deaths. The jury said responsible authorities at Health and Human Services and CPS failed to take corrective actions recommended in previous reports.
The jury also made mention of the appearance of Health and Human Services' director, who appeared on KCRA 3 saying, "We could have done more to prevent the death," in the case of Allen. That caused great concern regarding CPS, according to the report.
The report questioned senior HHS and CPS management skills. It said senior managers lack a positive vision and have persistent unwillingness to accept responsibility for the outcomes of their actions.
It also holds the Board of Supervisors and county administrator accountable for CPS management and budgets.
The jury report listed 32 findings and recommendations and called on CPS to have more transparency.
It also called on the agency to invite the jury back in six months to monitor CPS' progress in making change.
Health and Human Services director Lynn Frank resigned Tuesday, one day prior to the release of the report.
Reported by: Lynsey Paulo
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