What kind of peer review and quality control exists in the Childrens Services system?
In most counties, child protective social workers work with other agencies such as law enforcement, hospitals and medical personnel, school staff, public health, mental health practitioners, and others. There are random case samples conducted by county quality assurance staff and state auditors. Additional checks are made by supervisors when cases are transferred or closed and prior to each court hearing. The supervisor will check to see that documentation and paper work was completed, and that the required contacts with children and parents were made. Most importantly, they review service plans to ensure that families and children are receiving the services they need. Additionally, in Shasta County, each case is reviewed at every major decision point by a diverse team of community professionals to ensure that appropriate services are offered and that each family receives fair and equal treatment.
