Finding F2.11
Some DCFS and DMH managers/supervisors cannot empathize with their field staff, which causes frustration and limits the ability of those workers to provide a higher quality of care for the child. The job of working with children in foster care can be demanding and challenging for both DCFS social workers and DMH clinicians. Throughout the years, the demands and regulatory aspects of the job have changed significantly, and the attitudes and expectations of children/youths have changed. Our interviews revealed that, in some instances, DCFS supervisors/managers who have not done field work in recent years may not fully understand what their staff face in the field. Similarly, supervising DMH clinicians, who have not done field work recently, could not relate to what field clinicians deal with every day.
Jury report: Los Angeles County Foster Care · PDF page 134
Permanent linkOfficial response
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (consolidated County departmental response)
County partially disagrees: DCFS cites required supervisory field visits and some leadership visits, while DMH describes supervisors' prior field experience and current complex-case work. DCFS accepts benefits of continued exposure; these claims do not independently disprove reported staff experiences.
Read official response · PDF page 20Explains disputed characterization of supervisors' familiarity for both departments and acknowledges value of exposure. Concrete visit requirements cite Management Directive 09-11, revised April 23, 2026, with two visits annually per CSW and recording requirements; DMH provides specific examples of clinical participation. Report physical PDF page(s) 134–135; County response physical PDF page(s) 20–21. Claims remain attributed; adoption date is not a filing or receipt date.
This review evaluates the response document. Implementation claims have not been independently verified.