In a recent performance audit released by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) faced scrutiny over significant operational challenges. The findings paint a detailed picture of the complexities involved in safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring effective service delivery.
Key Findings: Department of Children’s Services (DCS)
The audit for DCS highlighted eight critical areas of concern:
1. Management Oversight Deficiencies: The Special Investigations Unit’s lack of oversight led to delayed investigations into child abuse and neglect, heightening the risk for children under adult authority.
2. Investigative Timeliness: There is an urgent need to strengthen oversight in Child Protective Services to ensure timely investigations.
3. Prolonged Investigative Tasks: Delays in supervisory reviews and the absence of a physician reviewer hindered the department’s ability to provide timely updates on child fatalities and near fatalities.
4. Transitional Housing Oversight: Despite improvements, the DCS has not adequately fulfilled its responsibilities toward hard-to-place children and youth in transitional housing.
5. System Development Issues: Reliance on the outdated TFACTS system necessitates consistent oversight over new system developments to avoid past failures affecting child welfare operations.
6. Health Screening Delays: Ongoing delays in obtaining medical and dental screenings for children in care pose risks to their health and well-being.
7. Provider Eligibility Oversight: Insufficient oversight in determining provider eligibility led to stipend payments that did not comply with program requirements.
8. Safety in Residential Facilities: There is a critical need to enhance oversight of residential facilities and juvenile detention centers to ensure safety and compliance.
The audit period for DCS spanned from September 1, 2022, to September 30, 2025. Notably, the 2022 audit had revealed 13 findings, of which 5 were fully resolved, 4 were partially resolved, and 4 were repeated.
Key Findings: Department of Human Services (DHS)
The audit for DHS identified two primary issues:
1. Insufficient IT Oversight: The department, along with STS, failed to establish effective oversight and monitoring of IT systems, leading to inadequate internal controls in several areas of information systems management.
2. Complaint Investigation Accountability: Similar to prior audits, there were ineffective controls in place regarding accountability in handling complaint investigations.
The audit period for DHS covered July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2025.
In response to the audit findings, DCS acknowledged the long-standing challenges it faces. Commissioner Margie Quin emphasized the department’s commitment to improving outcomes for Tennessee’s children and families. She noted that while some findings have been resolved, continuous effort and commitment are essential for meaningful progress.
Looking Ahead
As DCS and DHS work to address these findings, it will be crucial for future leadership to maintain transparency and accountability. Continuous improvement not only requires internal commitment but also collaboration with community partners and stakeholders to ensure that the needs of children and families are met effectively. The Tennessee General Assembly needs to focus on these findings.
During a Finance, Ways, and Means Committee hearing with some lawmakers and DCS officials, including Commissioner Margie Quin, Rep. David Hawk raised concerns over“anecdotal information” he said he had regarding sexual assaults occurring in DCS facilities operated by faith-based organizations and nonprofits.
Auditors are scheduled to present the findings in the report at a public hearing at 1 p.m. in the Cordell Hull Building on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
