Department of Family and Protective Services Investigations Jim

Department of Family and Protective Services Investigations Jim Sylvester, Associate Commissioner for Investigations Kristene Blackstone, Associate Commissioner for CPS

Investigations Division: Background • DFPS became a stand-alone agency apart from HHS on September 1, 2017. • DFPS Commissioner reports directly to the Governor rather than to the HHS Executive Commissioner. • Created several new divisions within DFPS, including an Investigations Division. • Reinstated the DFPS Council. 2

Investigations Division: Structure • Investigative functions of CPS, CCL, RCCL, and Special Investigations joined the new DFPS Investigations Division. – Regulatory functions of Child Care Licensing and Residential Child Care Licensing moved to HHS. • The DFPS Investigations Division will continue to implement and support Alternative Response. • DFPS Investigations also will assist with the Governor’s Human Sex Trafficking Prevention program. 3

Investigations Division: State Office Leadership • • Jim Sylvester – Associate Commissioner Sherry Gomez – Director of Field (CPS Investigations) Ashland Batiste – Director of Field (Child Care Licensing) Vacant – Director of Special Investigations • Marsha Stone – Division Administrator for Child Safety (CPS Investigations) • Gwen Gray – Division Administrator for Investigations and Alternative Response (CPS Investigations) • Kimberley Dominguez – Division Administrator for Complex Investigations Division (CCL Investigations) 4

Investigations Division: What does it mean for CPS? • Despite organizational structure changes, the mission of CPS remains the same. • Consolidated Investigations Division allows DFPS to continue ensuring safety, permanency and wellbeing of children and their families but in a more focused manner. • CPS Investigators will continue to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect in the same manner. 5

Investigations Division: What does it mean for CCL? • DFPS CCL Investigators will: – Investigate allegations of abuse/neglect in child care settings (daycare and residential care) – Remain trained on Minimum Standards – Make determinations if abuse/neglect occurred in child care settings – Send information to HHSC CCL Regulatory on any possible deficiencies • DFPS will conduct Administrative Reviews of Investigative Findings if Reason to Believe findings are made. 6

Investigations Division: What does it mean for CCL? • Coordination and collaboration between HHSC CCL Regulatory Inspectors and DFPS CCL Investigators will continue. – HHSC CCL Regulatory will conduct and assessment based on information gathered and shared by the DFPS CCL Investigator and cite any deficiencies relating to the abuse/neglect investigation. • HHSC CCL will conduct non-abuse/neglect investigations and cite any deficiencies relating to the investigation. • HHSC CCL Regulatory will conduct Administrative Reviews of deficiencies cited. 7

Investigations Division: What does it mean for Special Investigators? • Increased collaboration with staff across DFPS. • Utilization of their experience to enhance training opportunities for DFPS staff in all stages of service. • Special Investigators will continue to investigate and consult on DFPS investigations involving child abuse and/or neglect. 8

Fiscal Year 2017 Accomplishments: CPS Investigations • Enhanced the skillset of investigators • Focused on collaboration • Continued to implement and embed Alternative Response practice • Enhanced agency practice involving the Child Safety Check Alert List (CSCAL) 9

Fiscal Year 2017 Accomplishments: CPS Investigations • Turnover for CPS Investigators decreased • Average daily caseloads for CPS Investigators decreased • Investigations were initiated in a more timely manner 10

Fiscal Year 2017 Accomplishments: CCL Investigations • Focused on collaboration • Strengthened the Complex Investigations Division • Enhanced skillset of daycare investigators in illegal operation investigations 11

Fiscal Year 2017 Accomplishments: Special Investigations • Restructured the SI division and job duties • Provided training to DFPS staff • Collaboration with regional stakeholders • Increased involvement with Human Trafficking • Complex investigations 12

Goal 1: Maximize Child Safety • Increase the percent of timely initial contacts • Improve Safety and Risk Assessments/Reduce recidivism • Human Trafficking prevention efforts • Collaboration between SIs and CCL Investigators 13

Goal 2: Partnership and Collaboration • Internal Partnerships: – Maintain partnership with CPS – Increase teamwork across DFPS – Enhanced training opportunities for DFPS • External Partnerships: – Maintain partnership with HHSC CCL Regulatory – Communication and education for child care providers – Collaboration with stakeholders 14

Goal 3: Ensure a Professional and Stable Workforce • Assess workforce and training needs for CCL • Ensure staff are properly screened and trained • Technology supports • Promote retention 15

Thank you! Questions? 16