Number of backlogged DHS cases decreasing

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) has significantly reduced the number of past due Child Protective Services (CPS) case reports.

In August 2013, more than 3,700 CPS case reports were pending after 60 days. The backlog occurred as a result of staff turnover and an increase in the number of referrals which led to additional children entering the system. DHS implemented a CPS Backlog Reduction Plan that included approved overtime for frontline staff to complete cases, the reassignment of staff, assistance from other DHS divisions, weekly monitoring at all levels, and outsourcing some of the investigations.

"I am very proud of CWS staff," says Deborah Smith, Director of DHS Child Welfare Services (CWS). "They focused their efforts on ensuring the safety of children and completing these cases in backlog status. They devoted many hours of overtime and worked tirelessly to accomplish this reduction. Many staff--including those working in other areas of child welfare such as adoptions and permanency planning--saw themselves as part of the solution and helped complete investigations and assessments. Additionally, staff from other divisions with prior child welfare experience pitched-in to help. This was an example of exceptional teamwork."

DHS also contracted with Eck​​erd, Inc., one of the nation's largest nonprofit youth and family service organizations, to help bring case paperwork up to date. Eckerd staff received training from DHS about Oklahoma law regarding child abuse investigations, policy and procedures.

"Eckerd is honored to be part of this effort," says Melanie Owens, Eckerd's Chief of Program Services, Western Division. "DHS is harnessing the potential of public-private partnerships seeking broader resources in Oklahoma communities. Not only is DHS committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children represented in these backlogged cases, but for all children served in our communities every day. DHS needs each of us to partner with them in making sure that every child in Oklahoma is safe and has an opportunity to succeed."

DHS staff have completed 2,900 backlogged cases and Eckerd personnel have completed 130. Through this collaborative effort, the number of backlogged cases has been reduced to 670.

Timely completion of child abuse and neglect investigations is critical because future reports made to the DHS Abuse and Neglect Hotline (800-522-3511) could indicate a pattern of problems within a specific family.

Approximately 70,000 allegations of possible child abuse and neglect are reported each year to the DHS hotline. Abuse and neglect are substantiated in about 20 percent of the cases.

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