CPS review of Houston cases targets caseworkers

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CPS review of Houston cases targets caseworkers
by Associated Press

Posted on December 15, 2009 at 11:09 AM

Updated today at 11:09 AM



AUSTIN, Texas -- Risk and safety were properly evaluated in only about half of the Child Protective Services cases in the Houston region during an internal review.

Details are from a review of 95 randomly selected caseworkers conducted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

The report, released Monday in Austin, found caseworkers regularly missed warning signs that children were in danger.

CPS spokesman Patrick Crimmins says workers always tried to keep children safely in their own homes or with their extended family, if possible.

Suggestions for improvement included using more of the agency’s "special investigators," those workers with a law enforcement background. Another recommendation is to enroll parents more quickly in parenting classes and substance abuse treatment.

Reports on other CPS regions of Texas are expected next year.


http://www.khou.com/news/local/CPS-review-of-Houston-cases-targets-caseworkers--79317002.html