To stop child deaths and abuse, 8 common-sense reforms for DCFS

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services has been under much scrutiny lately, following a series of highly publicized child deaths, a disgusting case of child abuse in Palmdale and, more recently, the publication of a scathing internal report, which The Times wrote about in the Feb. 14 article, “Report excoriates L.A. County agency in child deaths, torture.” Contrary to what some people believe, front-line social workers — the men and women who struggle every day to keep children safe and families whole — have long been calling for departmental reforms. Our suggestions, which follow, are common sense. And they could make all the difference in improving the lives of thousands of children. READ THE 8 RECOMMENDED REFORMS HERE