CONCORD, NH – The organization conducting an independent evaluation of the NH Division for Children, Youth and Families has presented to the NH Department of Health and Human Services an interim report recommending an increase in DCYF child assessment staffing. DHHS requested the interim report to help evaluate child protection staffing levels for its next agency budget.
The Center for Support of Families (CFS) is evaluating DCYF Child Protection Program’s policies and procedures. In its interim report, CFS has recommended that 120 authorized positions be established by DCYF in order to effectively assess and respond to reports of child abuse or neglect; DCYF currently has 85 authorized positions. DHHS recently reclassified 22 vacant positions from outside DCYF for new child protection service workers and supervisory staff. These positions are in addition to positions previously authorized for the implementation of 24/7 coverage.
The final report of the Center for Support of Families is due to be completed by the end of November 2016.
DHHS Commissioner Jeffrey A. Meyers has delivered the Interim Report to Governor Maggie Hassan, Senate President Chuck Morse, House Speaker Shawn Morse, the Commission to Review Child Abuse Fatalities, the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee, and the House and Human Services Oversight Committee.
The Interim Report from CFS is available here.
