Date: 03/22/2010
Final
Briefing from the DHS
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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01:31 PM -- Briefing from the Department of Human Services Concerning the Finalization of the 2008 Child Fatality Review Reports
Executive Director Karen Beye of the Department of Human Services introduced herself to the committee. Executive Director Beye provided a packet of information regarding the finalization of the 2008 Child Fatality Review Reports (Attachment A). Ms. Beye explained that the department finished the 2008 child fatality review reports, but the final reports were not physically sent to the corresponding counties. She explained that in 2008, there were 11 fatality review reports which were reviewed by the Division of Child Welfare. Of those, all eleven reviews were completed. She stated that one review was sent upon completion to the county and the other ten were completed, but not mailed to the county departments upon completion. Ms. Beye apologized to the committee for not having the reports physically sent to the corresponding county. She stated that of the fatality reviews completed, six established policy findings to be addressed, and the other five did not identify any policy findings. She indicated to the committee that the six policy reviews identified that the county departments had implemented actions to address the policy findings reported. Some of the changes included training for all county child protection supervisors, creation of an instruction manual, and training of all staff to obtain greater consistency in the referral screening process. She stated that children were not more vulnerable because the final reports were not submitted and again offered her sincere apology for the lapse in policy procedure.
01:40 PM
Ms. Beye spoke to some of the recommendations of the Child Welfare Action Committee that was established in 2008 by executive order from the Governor. She spoke to several pieces of legislation recommended by the committee that are making their way through the General Assembly. She stated that the package of bills will improve and add to the high functioning of the child welfare system. In response to Representative Gagliardi's question, Ms. Beye stated that there were 15 child fatality review reports completed in 2009. The committee discussed the procedure regarding fatality review reports.