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Child abuse caseworkers handled nearly half of reviewed cases improperly, according to McCaskill audit

April 8, 2004
By: Cliff Judy
State Capital Bureau

An audit released by Missouri State Auditor Claire McCaskill said that caseworkers handled child abuse cases improperly in nearly half of reviewed cases. Cliff Judy has more from the state Capitol.

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McCaskill called some of the findings of an audit on children's safety alarming.

The report said that caseworkers did not respond as quickly as required in 16 percent of cases called in to a child abuse hotline.

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Contents: McCaskill says, "So clearly, the fact that we still have that many cases where initial contact is not being made soon enough and follow-up contact is not adequate is very troubling."

McCaskill also said she felt the audit was a true reflection of the entire state of Missouri. From the state Capitol, I'm Cliff Judy.

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An audit released by Missouri State Auditor Claire McCaskill on child abuse points to some statistics that she calls alarming. Cliff Judy is in Jefferson City with the story.

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McCaskill's audit outlined some of the weaknesses in child abuse case management.

She recognized the difficulty in getting the money needed to handle the problem, but said it must be done.

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Contents: McCaskill says, "We have to prioritize the resources we have for those functions that are the most important. And candidly, protecting children where there's a serious allegation of physical abuse, that's about as important as it gets."

McCaskill said the Department of Social Services accepted recommendations made in the audit and were busy trying to implement a plan to fix the problem. From the state Capitol, I'm Cliff Judy.

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Nearly one in five cases on child abuse allowed the perpetrator to stay in the room while children were interviewed by caseworkers, according to an audit by Claire McCaskill. Cliff Judy has more from the state Capitol.

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The Missouri State Auditor said she couldn't overemphasize enough how important it was that caseworkers interview abused children alone.

McCaskill outlined why neglecting to do this could lead to an improper investigation.

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Contents: McCaskill says, "It is very difficult for a child, particularly one who's been abused, to speak out and be truthful about what they have been facing in their own home."

The audit was a follow-up to one done in 2000. From the state Capitol, I'm Cliff Judy.