For the kids - Local child welfare advocate calls for attention to DCYF funding issues

By RICK GREEN, LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA — Significant problems faced by the state's Division for Children, Youth and Families defy easy solution but improved funding would be a step in the right direction, says a local man who is an attorney for the DCYF.

“Everyone is missing the point that the Legislature has not adequately funded child protection for as long as I've been doing it,” said Peter Brunette, a child welfare attorney for the division.

Brunette, who lives in the Lakeport section of Laconia, said funding levels haven't kept pace with the agency's rising caseload.

The need for more staffing is mentioned in an independent report on the DCYF. The Center for the Support of Families released the 103-page report on Dec. 19.

“It is important to note that we do not recommend trying to put into place major practice improvements, enhancements, or new initiatives until there is a solid foundation of adequate staffing and supervision in the assessment area,” the report said in its recommendations section. “Otherwise, overloaded staff will not be able to implement and adopt the new practices effectively.”

Lorraine Bartlett retired as division director at the start of April, two weeks after Gov. Chris Sununu placed her on leave following a story in The Concord Monitor that the agency suspended normal procedures to close more than 1,500 abuse and neglect investigations over two days.

She has said a combination of staff turnover, more cases and protective reports, and the opioids crisis have created a “perfect storm” for DCYF.

Brunette said that while Bartlett's suspension was widely reported, what has been less reported are the financial constraints under which the division operates.

State general fund support for the division stood at $84.11 million in 2010 and is now at $71.17 million.

“It's the same story over and over again,” Brunette said. “We have no choice but to do more work, but with the same amount of resources, what can the agency do? It has no control over the number of cases.”

“It's frustrating. The problem is that the field staff doesn't have enough hours in the day, enough bodies, enough support staff.

“Child protection is both imperative and impossible. Errors can result in serious consequences.”

The Concord Monitor reported that since 2011, at least eight children have died after reports were filed with the DCYF.

The report from The Center for the Support of Families recommended that the agency increase the number of assessment social workers to 120.

Division spokesman Jake Leon said that when the report came out, there were 85 people in these positions. That number has been increased to 107 by shifting positions within the agency.

A budget proposed by the governor would allow the division to hire more social workers, but it's not clear how his funding plan will fare. The New Hampshire Senate is working on a budget after the House failed to approve a spending plan.