EDITORIAL: Child protection is in need of immediate attention

May 21--State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale's plan to address what he calls a broken child protection system deserves immediate and serious consideration in Harrisburg.

The auditor general last week called on the state to cut required paperwork to free up caseworkers to help more children and urged the state to pick up more of the costs so counties don't become overwhelmed with child protection responsibilities.

The report, containing 28 recommendations, is receiving endorsements from those who work within the child protection system.

"The recommendations in this report reflect a solid understanding of the struggles of the system and a reasonable path to move the system toward better outcomes for the children we serve," said Brian Bornean, executive director of the Pennsylvania Children and Youth Administrators Association.

Teresa Miller, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services, joined the auditor general during his announcement on Wednesday, saying that her agency does not disagree with most of his suggestions.

Federal, state and county governments all pay a portion of the cost of child protection, but DePasquale noted that problems can occur when counties run short on cash and decide not to fill Children and Youth caseworker positions as they become vacant. The vacancies then create more pressure on the caseworkers who remain, which can then snowball if other caseworkers become overwhelmed and leave their jobs as well.

DePasquale suggests that the state pick up the county costs. He estimated that would cost about $90 million, but noted that the state gives the horse racing industry $250 million a year in subsidies.

"That's $160 million more than I'm asking for," he said.

The auditor general notes that the long-term costs and implications of failing to adequately protect children from abuse are substantial. They range from not just the abuse the children may suffer now, but include the costs and problems that come later if those children are more likely to struggle with addiction issues, rely more on welfare programs or end up in jail.

It's a discussion about priorities, and there should be no question that addressing the needs of children who are struggling in any way, shape or form should be one of our highest priorities.

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