LA County Social Workers Forge Ahead After Board Votes to Reorganize DCFS

Line workers testified against this move two weeks in a row, explaining that the CEO has worked with SEIU to drive reform, and noting that it was unclear how the five-member Board of Supervisors would continue that process.
“Who is going to be the neutral party that brings together veteran workers and managers to drive reform? I don’t believe the board can be the same driver that the CEO has been in this process,” said Mike Ross, a Supervising Children’s Social Worker in Pomona.
Social workers delivered a petition with more than 1,000 signatures from DCFS workers and delivered powerful testimony.
“This motion is the wrong approach to improving services,” said Larry Golan, a Supervising Children’s Social Worker in Glendora.
The ordinance passed by a 3-2 vote, with Supervisors Don Knabe and Mark Ridley-Thomas joining SEIU in opposition.
The Next Steps
SEIU Local 721 will continue to move a reform-focused agenda to improve line operations and child safety outcomes. The department has committed to continuing the reform process that SEIU initiated with the CEO’s help in October 2010. This also includes major improvements to training, increased worker input into policy, revamping Emergency Response, and making sure that the department’s discipline procedures are transparent and consistent.
Asking Tough Questions
We are also challenging to the Board to live up to their newfound responsibilities that come as a result of this vote. Member leaders from DCFS will meet with all five Board offices on Wednesday, May 25.