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No magic formula Problems with Family Continuity Programs offer proof that privatizing child welfare isn't child's play.
No magic formula Problems with Family Continuity Programs offer proof
that privatizing child welfare isn't child's play. A Times Editorial Published January 10, 2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The troubles at Family Continuity Programs, the nonprofit agency that oversees foster care in Pinellas and Pasco counties, are the latest reminder that child welfare privatization, even under the best of circumstances, is a complex and precarious undertaking. Many had assumed FCP would be a bellwether for privatization statewide, and its disappointing record raises doubts about the future of community-based care here and elsewhere. FCP needs to work quickly to regain its footing, as well as the confidence of state and community leaders. The Department of Children and Families told FCP it had to reduce foster-home overcrowding within six months or risk losing its contract as lead agency. After criticizing FCP's performance for months, DCF publicly admitted what it had merely implied until then: FCP has failed to live up to early expectations. That's a stinging reproach for an agency that was to provide a showcase for privatization. Lawmakers in 1999 tapped Pinellas and Pasco to be the guinea pigs for the statewide transition (following encouraging results from a voluntary experiment in Sarasota), and FCP was soon put in the lead. Those hoping privatization would prove the magic potion for all that ails child welfare have just been given a hard dose of reality. While FCP has brought positive change in some areas - for example, more abused children are receiving services and, once removed, are living with relatives, not strangers - its overall performance has been well below expectations. Foster homes continue to be overcrowded, while caseloads still run high. Foster children are too frequently bounced from home to home. Workers are inadequately supervised. Parents and other agencies are often kept out of the loop. Many of the problems are within FCP's power to solve. That's true even though much of the stress can be traced to the dramatic increase in the number of children removed from their homes following abuse investigations by the sheriff's offices. FCP has to find better ways to keep more children safely in their homes. To its credit, it is already working with sheriffs and community partners on a comprehensive strategy to reduce removals. Yet, it would be unfair to suggest FCP is alone in its struggles - or in its responsibility. Lead providers in other Florida counties are facing similar challenges, and many, like FCP, find themselves coming up short. As a September 2003 report documents, nearly all agencies heading up child welfare privatization have needed more time and money than initially anticipated. None believed the state allotted them sufficient funds to do the job right. Many, including FCP, are doubly hamstrung by a persistent funding inequity among the counties. According to the report, FCP had only half the state funds Broward did - though Broward serves just 100 more children. "(T)he implementation of (community-based care) is a complicated process which takes time. (While) all of the lead agencies have made substantial progress . . . challenges remain," concluded researchers with the Florida Mental Health Institute at the University of South Florida. Improvements are needed, and DCF is right to hold FCP accountable. But no one should be under any illusions. Child protection is a difficult business that requires time, money and collective commitment - no matter who's in charge. http://www.sptimes.com/2004/01/10/Op..._formula.shtml |
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