![]() The union reported that DCFS reduced caseloads in several of its 23 regional offices but it remains a problem with adoption workers and when social workers handle emergency calls that require an assessment of the living arrangements, said Roxanne Marquez, a spokesperson for the union. While we will continue to strive for improvements, the department remains confident that current levels provide for the safety of children and well-being of employees,” the statement said. “Over the course of several years, DCFS has significantly lowered social worker caseloads, as they lead to better practice. That way, we can expedite the move to permanency and literally improve the lives of people in Los Angeles County,” he said in an interview on Wednesday. ![]() “The solution is to hire additional adoption social workers. When social workers are overburdened, it slows down the process, leaving foster children waiting for months or even years to find a permanent placement, Green said. The adoption social workers can be assigned up to 55 cases per worker, Green said. The problem becomes acute with social workers handling cases that involve transferring children from foster care into permanent placements. The union said having 22 cases per worker is “above the accepted rate of 15 per social worker to ensure child safety.” Fifteen cases involving children per social worker should not be exceeded, according to the Child Welfare League of America. The union is asking for the county to reduce caseloads to approximately 15 cases per social worker, so they can process cases more quickly and protect families and children. Instead, the group delivered a letter to Tim Pescatello, county employee relations manager, asking that the contract be reopened. Members of the SEIU 721, representing 4,000 social workers employed by the county Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), rallied on the plaza of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, chanting slogans about union power and waving signs that said, “Protect Our Children” and “Children’s Social Workers Demand Real Solutions.”ĭavid Green, union president and longtime county social worker said the Wednesday rally was not about money. on Wednesday, demanding that their contract be reopened to improve working conditions by reducing their caseloads. About 200 Los Angeles County social workers demonstrated in front of county headquarters in downtown L.A.
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