DCFS - Caseload Accountability Panel

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

The Caseload Accountability Panel (CAP) program was established in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Service Employee International Union (SEIU), a labor union representing Children’s Social Workers (CSWs) and Supervising Children’s Social Workers (SCSWs), in January 2014. This panel is composed of five labor representatives selected by the SEIU and five management representatives selected by DCFS, including a DCFS Executive Team member (i.e., Chief Deputy Director and/or the Director). The main goal of the CAP program was to ensure CSWs achieved a manageable caseload, thereby making it possible for the CSW to act in the best interest of every child and family served. Given the success of this collaboration, the CAP program has evolved into a strong partnership between DCFS and the SEIU and has become a vehicle for addressing other systemic barriers that prevent service excellence to DCFS children and families. Further, as part of this collaboration, the department established a 4-point plan to address the following efforts for: hiring additional CSW; revising and streamlining DCFS policy for more user-friendly access; education-based discipline; and increased use of technology. As a result, this led to achieving success in caseload reduction department-wide; iPhones and mobile applications to access the revised DCFS policy manual, Foster Care Search System Drug and Alcohol Testing Referrals, California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System; regional caseload equity oversight; streamlining the Child Protection Hotline process; redesign of training and development of the DCFS University; and the Director’s Support Team and Emergency Response Referral project.