The Alaska State Ombudsman to the Alaska Department of Family and Community Services completed an investigation into six allegations of the Office of Children’s Services.
Splitting the mega-agency into the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services was first proposed in December of 2020. Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued an executive order to divide the department, but it was later withdrawn when technical errors were discovered.
The conclusion by the ombudsman was that OCS “struggled” to find solutions for the foster child with complex needs and challenging behaviors. The ombudsman made seven recommendations for OCS, including a foster parent agreement, strengthening state partnerships and coordinating with law enforcement to hasten the response to sexual abuse allegations. OCS agreed to adopt the three recommendations.
The recommendation that was acknowledged but not committed to by OCS was for the agency to refresh staff’s training on emergency responses and situations when it comes to sexual abuse or serious harm to a child in foster care. The state ombudsman stated in her investigation that OCS contacted several care providers. Still, all refused to accept the child into their facility or home because of the child’s complex needs. There were also delays in getting the child enrolled in additional sources of Medicaid funding.
Office Of Children's Services OCS Investigation DFCS Alaska Department Of Family And Community Services
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