Audit: Major faults in Michigan's Child Protective Services
THIRD WORLD STATE!
DETROIT (AP) — An audit of Michigan's Children's Protective Services cites numerous deficiencies in the system that has been under court oversight for 12 years.
The scathing report released Thursday by the state Office of the Auditor General found the agency failed to launch and complete investigations within required timeframes, and didn't complete criminal history checks.
Other deficiencies cited include: failing to complete face-to-face interactions with alleged child victims in a timely manner; not referring investigations to prosecutors; and not accurately assessing a child's risk of harm.
The agency agreed with most findings. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, of which CPS is part, said in a statement it takes the report "very seriously" and recognizes it "can and must improve."
The department must submit a compliance plan within two months.
Governor Snyder is also reacting to the audit and has released a statement. Read it below:
“We take the results of every department audit seriously, but especially those involving programs designed to protect our most vulnerable populations. The findings in the Child Protective Services audit are unacceptable and we must do more to accelerate the needed corrective actions. While it is encouraging to see the Department of Health and Human Services working to correct many of the audit findings, we must do more and quickly. I have tasked Rich Baird in my office with assessing the department's response to this audit and pull together the necessary resources to assist DHHS in rooting out processes or practices that are standing in the way of excellent service. A lot of good people are trying to accomplish a lot of good things in protecting Michigan’s most vulnerable populations. It can be stressful, and I understand the frustration people involved in this area must feel when they are hindered by cumbersome processes and procedures. The focus needs to be on helping the children and we are committed to making improvements that will help them as quickly as possible."
https://nbc25news.com/news/local/audit-major-faults-in-michigans-child-protective-services