CFSA Case Backlog Still Huge

In an e-mail dated August 25, Interim Director Roque Gerald confessed some bad news to Child and Family Services Agency employees: there were 1,442 cases still in the backlog.

In mid-July, the backlog stood at 1,708 cases, according to agency documents. It has been more than a month since Sharlynn Bobo resigned. Since July 14, the backlog has shrunk by 266 cases---and this is with the full throttle support of the Fenty Administration. Gerald wrote in his e-mail:

"Today’s message is with a heavy heart but also with no less passion and commitment to support you in every way I can. We remain burdened by our valiant attempts to address the current backlog crisis."

Gerald goes on to state that the backlog had become enough of an issue (again) that he had to reach out to the mayor's office. On August 22, he e-mailed City Administrator Dan Tangherlini. Gerald's communique "led to a face-to-face meeting with the CA and some others on the EOM staff" on the evening of August 22.

"It was a good, productive meeting. Loren Ganoe, Camelia Pierre, Jim Toscano, and I all came away with a better understanding of EOM concerns—and with a sense that they gained a deeper understanding of the challenges CFSA is facing and strategies we’re using to meet them. You must continue to press to safely close backlogged investigations. Meanwhile, I’ll keep oversight authorities informed about our efforts, barriers, and successes," Gerald wrote.

Gerald noted that "results" from his sit-down at the mayor's office were "immediate."

Read More "CFSA Case Backlog Still Huge" »