AGENCY RESPONSE

NOTE:  Agency responses submitted on diskette are included on the Legislative Web Site (HTTP://LEGISWEB.STATE.WY.US).      Letters submitted in written form are on file at LSO.

State of Wyoming

Department of Family Services

Jim Geringer, Governer

Kari Jo Gray, Director

                                                                                    May 4, 2000

The Honorable Jim Twiford

Wyoming State Senator

43 Fairway Estates

Douglas, WY   82633

                                                                                                            Re:       Turnover and Retention in Four           Occupations

                                                                        Ref:      KJG-00-167

Dear Senator Twiford,

            I have reviewed the report prepared by the Legislative Service Office focusing on occupational turnover and retention, and I am in general agreement.  High turnover among caseworkers is a major challenge for this Department and impacts quality of service.  I believe it important and worthy of our resources to make every effort to decrease the turnover because any negative effects for Wyoming's children are unacceptable.

            I pledge my full cooperation toward alleviating any negative impact on services and decreasing turnover among caseworkers.  However, the Department cannot achieve this end without help from others because this is a shared problem requiring a shared solution.  We are currently in negotiation of a contract which will undertake a workload study (response to LSO CPS report).  If the study were to indicate a need for increased staff, for example, legislative support would be required.  The legislature is a key partner in addressing issues within the executive branch of government.

            Since my appointment as Director of Family Services in November 1999, I have taken steps to address identified deficiencies.  Two changes which need to be highlighted are:

1.      Creation of a Protective Services Division in order to provide a renewed focus on child welfare; and

2.      An emphasis on training and the development of a broad-based comprehensive training plan for the Department.

I believe these two changes to be significant improvements, and they should have a positive impact on both turnover and child protective services to children and families.

            The Department of Family Services concurs with the Legislative Service Office report.  I look forward to working with you, the legislature, and other agencies in addressing caseworker turnover.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Kari Jo Gray

                                                                                    Director

KJG/RTL/tat

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