Assessment: "Culture Of Fear" Exists At Indiana DCS; Recommendations Made

Problems plaguing Indiana's Department of Child Services are the target of an independent analysis released Monday.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - An assessment of the Indiana Department of Child Services has been completed, finding that a “culture of fear” exists in the agency.

The non-profit Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group made 20 recommendations based on findings after a six-month evaluation of DCS. The review was ordered by Governor Eric Holcomb last December after the agency was criticized publicly by its former director Mary Beth Bonaventura upon her resignation.

“I directed this assessment so we would all know where we are, where we’ve been and where we need to go,” Holcomb said at a news conference held Monday. “Now, we have the assessment, and we have a strong foundation to guide us into a healthier position for Hoosier families and children.”

Findings detailed in the 116-page report include that DCS has a “culture of fear” that has led workers to worry more about their personal liability than the long-term well-being of children. The solution, the group says, is to transform the culture to encourage better decision making, training, professional development, and advancement for employees.

Among the assessment’s other findings, 45 percent of case managers have a caseload greater than that allowed by state law. The agency should better treat and support families struggling with substance abuse - $24 million is spent on drug testing while only $4 million is spent on treatment. Also, DCS must improve coordination between state agencies supporting families and children, and improve its use of technology and data.

Holcomb says he will allocate $25 million from the state’s budget surplus to address the DCS issues. Actions will include a raise for DCS workers and improve training.

However, the governor has stopped short of asking for more money for the agency, which is already nearly $300 million over its two-year budget.

Holcomb acknowledged that there have been other studies about DCS problems in recent years which have not led to significant action. He said he won’t let that happen this time.

Lawmakers are also likely to join in on the solution. House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) said protecting vulnerable children should be a top priority for the General Assembly.

Bosma said it is clean more must be done to endure child safety and better outcomes.

“This comprehensive independent assessment is a critical tool as state and local stakeholders at all levels work together to improve our child welfare system. I’m also encouraged by the immediate and swift actions being taken by Governor Holcomb and the Department of Child Services as a result of this report.

A legislative council will meet July 2 to review the recommendations and figure out what's next, Bosma said. The council could develop some more specific recommendations for the governor and lawmakers to consider.

Democrats have been critical of Republicans for not showing enough urgency toward the DCS issue following Bonaventura’s resignation, when she accused Holcomb's administration of cutting services and making management changes that "all but ensure children will die."

Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) said he was impressed with the outcomes of the report which, he asserts, points out problems Senate Democrats have been attempting to address for decades.

“Indiana has clearly not invested enough in prevention, support and treatment services that help keep children out of the system. I commend the governor for finally listening to the calls from Democrats to open up the surplus and adequately fund one of the most important departments in our state. Our children, our families and our entire state will be much better for it,” Lanane said.

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