Report 2015-115 Recommendation 14 Responses

Report 2015-115: Dually Involved Youth: The State Cannot Determine the Effectiveness of Efforts to Serve Youth Who Are Involved in Both the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems (Release Date: February 2016)

Recommendation #14 To: Riverside, County of

To identify their population of dually involved youth, Riverside County's CWS and probation agencies should designate the data system they will use for tracking the dates and results of joint assessment hearings.

1-Year Agency Response

A dedicated Dual Status Excel spreadsheet for WIC 241.1 investigations has been developed to track referrals for investigation and the determination of the joint assessment hearing. The tracking spreadsheet can be used to determine the percentage of WIC 241.1 cases resulting in sustained petitions, tracking dates, and results/determinations of joint assessment hearings at any given point. Data analysis is conducted producing a Summary illustration from this tracking system which is shared with Probation.

Monthly joint CWS and Probation case staffing meetings are held to supplement the tracking system and enhance collaboration. Additionally, a protocol for collaboration to provide services for Dual Status youth in Riverside County is being updated which speaks to the sharing of information for data collection.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Fully Implemented

Riverside County provided a copy of its Dual Status Excel spreadsheet for WIC 241.1 investigations, which it has designated for tracking the dates and results of joint assessment hearings. In addition, Riverside County provided its "Services for Non-Minor Dependents" symposium presentation, which demonstrates its ability to track and summarize results of its dual status population.

6-Month Agency Response

Given the identified limitations of the Child Welfare Services Case Management System (CWS/CMS) and lacking interconnectivity with the Juvenile and Adult Management System (JAMS), a dedicated Dual Status Excel spreadsheet has been developed to track referrals for investigation and the determination of the court for the 241.1 investigation. The youths' cases are reviewed monthly by a designated child welfare staff member. Data analysis is conducted and a monthly summary report is produced to share with management of the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)/Children's Services Division (CSD) and Probation, partner agencies, and the Court.

The process for assigning investigations under WI&C 241.1 has been enhanced with joint training for DPSS and Juvenile Probation on April 14, 2016 and July 14, 2016. A section of the training was centered on ensuring that youth referred for investigation are adequately assessed. A modified referral for investigation process was implemented to properly identify youth that may crossover systems.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending

Per Riverside County's response, its implementation of this recommendation is currently pending.

60-Day Agency Response

Riverside County did not respond to our requests for its 60-day response.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: No Action Taken

We look forward to Riverside County's 6-month response due on August 25, 2016.

All Recommendations in 2015-115

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.