Testimony to Sunset Commission Against Staff Recommendation to Transfer Programs from DSHS to DFPS
The Sunset Advisory Commission Staff Report on DFPS provided a thorough analysis of continued areas of challenge at the agency. We agree with many of the staff conclusions and recommendations and also greatly appreciate the level to which stakeholder input was solicited by Commission staff. Of particular note, we support the report’s call for DFPS to provide a thorough evaluation of current Redesign efforts before pursuing broader implementation. We also support the call for continued improvements to the legacy system.
Additionally, we fully support recommendations aimed at reducing caseworker turnover and improving caseworker retention. However, while we understand the Commission typically doesn't make budget recommendations, we know that CPS needs more funding from the legislature to bring staff caseloads down to safe levels.