Interim plan could help improve DSS

The state appears to be one step closer to addressing the serious problems with its Department of Social Services. Unfortunately, state officials are acting in part because of pressure from a federal class action lawsuit.

The state has been aware of the myriad problems at DSS – too many cases, not enough caseworkers, numerous instances of abuse and neglect – for decades. The state, itself, began investigating the agency in January 2014, but the response by the Legislature has been inadequate.

Some progress was occurring. Lawmakers provided the money for 262 new DSS employees, but even as those new hires finish their training and begin taking on cases, the number of cases continues to skyrocket.

Susan Alford, who replaced an ineffective Lillian Koller as DSS director last year, has been frank about the agency’s problems and willing to present hard facts to the Legislature. During a Senate committee hearing in August, she noted that even with an influx of new employees, agency workers still are shouldering huge caseloads.

As of mid-August, Alford told senators, 130 caseworkers statewide each were responsible for at least 50 children – more than double the caseload goals set last year. Ten employees each were responsible for at least 100 children.

Now, however, the pressure from a lawsuit filed in January has prompted Alford and Gov. Nikki Haley to agree to an interim plan that will make major changes in how foster children are overseen by DSS. The agreement signed Monday does not end the lawsuit, but it promises to ensure the state does a better job of protecting the lives, safety and health of thousands of children in the system.

For example, the agreement requires the DSS to determine reasonable workload limits for caseworkers and adopt those limits within 180 days. The state also will have 60 days to ensure that no children under age 6 are placed in non-family group homes. And, within 60 days, he agreement will phase out the use of hotels, motels and DSS offices as overnight havens for children in DSS care.

To her credit, Alford seems committed to improving the agency even without the pressure of a federal lawsuit. Both she and Haley have lobbied lawmakers for more to hire and train more caseworkers and make other improvements.

The Legislature must commit to finding the money the DSS needs to fulfill its vital mission. Lawmakers can’t sit by and allow the rampant mistreatment and even deaths of some foster children to continue.

A lawsuit should not be required to prompt the state to take care of its most vulnerable residents.

This story was originally published September 29, 2015 at 8:09 PM with the headline "Interim plan could help improve DSS."