In a recent episode of The NeoLiberal Round Podcast, host Renaldo McKenzie had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. David Fair, Deputy Chief at Turning Points for Children and a Past Managing Director of The City Of Philadelphia. This follow-up interview delved into Turning Points for Children’s decision to transfer its Community Umbrella Agency Program (CUA) and touched upon crucial issues surrounding child welfare in Philadelphia.
The CUA Transfer
During the interview, Mr. Fair provided an update on Turning Points for Children’s progress in transferring the CUA program, a Department of Human Services (DHS) government contract initiative offering case management services for DHS-involved Child Youth and Family cases in the city. Mr. Fair revealed that, except for one program slated for transfer in November 2023, the transition has been successfully executed. He highlighted the challenges faced by the agency in retaining the CUA program, primarily stemming from high insurance rates and unfavorable court rulings that imposed financial burdens on Turning Points for Children.
DHS’s Role and Immunity
A significant point of discussion was the role of the Department of Human Services (DHS) in making final decisions regarding the placement of children in homes, even when these decisions may conflict with the determinations of the CUAs. Mr. Fair expressed concern over the apparent disconnect between DHS’s decision-making authority and the immunity they enjoy from lawsuits related to their decisions. In contrast, CUA agencies are not granted such immunity.
This raises a pertinent question: How can the city’s government in Philadelphia, Department of Human Services make final placement decisions while claiming immunity from the consequences of those decisions, especially when the CUAs lack the ability to override DHS determinations? It appears that CUAs may have been established as a means for the city’s DHS to transfer certain risks while maintaining their authority over child safety decisions.
Seeking Equitable Solutions
Mr. Fair suggested two potential avenues for addressing this issue. Firstly, DHS could provide more support and assistance to CUAs, given their lack of immunity. This would help balance the scales and ensure that both parties involved in child welfare decisions are adequately protected.
Alternatively, it could be considered whether DHS should have the authority to override the decisions of CUA agencies, particularly when their own agency enjoys immunity from legal consequences. If an agency like DHS is largely protected against risks, it is essential to reassess whether they should wield absolute power in making final decisions about child safety, especially when it comes at the expense of agencies like CUAs.
This thought-provoking interview with Mr. David Fair sheds light on critical aspects of Philadelphia’s child welfare system and raises important questions about fairness, accountability, and the distribution of responsibilities in the interest of child safety. The full interview is available in both video and audio formats for those looking to delve deeper into this pressing issue.
This article is submitted by Renaldo McKenzie, author of Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance and the upcoming Book, Neoliberal Globalization Reconsidered, Neo-Capitalism and the Death of Nations. Follow Renaldo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renaldomckenzie.
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