California DSS Demands San Joaquin County Fix Foster Care System

On August 14, 2017, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) demanded that San Joaquin County leaders take action to fix problems the county's foster care system. CDSS had conducted a case review of the county's child welfare practices in April 2017, and found insufficient visits by social workers, poor monitoring of psychotropic drugs, and even the arrest and incarceration of hundreds of children after emotional outbursts and/or fights with staff. The CDSS review also determined that overall more information was needed regarding mental health services for foster care children.

These shortcomings and mental health concerns were . . .