The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) released the results of an independent workload and caseload analysis of the agency by Deloitte Consulting. The final report includes 10 strategic and tactical recommendations to improve outcomes for Hoosier children and families, including additional staff, improved organizational efficiencies, enhanced staff training and expanded use of data.
In 2013, DCS added 136 new Family Case Manager (FCM) positions and 75 FCM supervisor position. In 2014, DCS added another 110 FCM positions, bringing the total number of case manager positions to 1,711 by January 2015.
Despite the addition of these new positions, at the end of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2014, DCS did not meet the 12/17 regional caseload average, as outlined in Indiana statute. In November, DCS presented plans to address the issue to the State Budget Committee, which included commissioning an analysis of the current workload of DCS family case managers and enhancing FCM supervisor training.
Upon receiving Deloitte’s report, DCS began working immediately to prioritize and implement the recommendations. Governor Pence requested an additional $7.5 million from the Indiana General Assembly to hire 100 additional family case managers and 17 new family case manager supervisors.
For additional information contact James Wide the deputy director of Indiana Department of Child Services at (317)234-3924 or james.wide@dcs.in.gov
