 Strengths, Weaknesses Of Alaska System Process Underscores Need for Additional Resources July 1, 2002
Alaska is the 26th state to undergo the federal review, mandated by Congress for all states over a three-year period. So far, no state has met all the child protection standards set by the federal Administration for Children and Families. Written findings from this week's visit will be submitted to the state by the federal team in about a month. Federal reviewers briefed state officials today on their preliminary findings. "Like every other state we've reviewed so far, Alaska has some strengths and some weaknesses in its efforts to protect children," said Jerry Milner, head of the federal review team. "I've been impressed with the cooperation we've received from Alaska officials and the focus they have put on helping children and families. I have no doubt they will use this review as an opportunity to make further improvements." "We've known all along that, despite the considerable progress we've made on child protection matters in recent years, we have more work to do," Livey said. "We have repeatedly asked the Legislature for more resources to support families, and the preliminary findings of this review suggest to me that we're right on target -- we need more dollars to improve our children protection system." In one finding, Alaska gets high marks for its ability to effectively move children from temporary foster care into permanent homes. While the federal standard says no more than 8.6 percent of children should need foster care again within a year, Alaska's rate is less than 5 percent. Livey said that rate, one of the best in the nation, is likely attributed to the Knowles-Ulmer Administration's "Balloon Project," which focused resources and new attention by social workers and child protection attorneys on helping children who were lingering too long in foster care. However, another preliminary finding says Alaska can do a better job preventing repeat occurrences of abuse or neglect, especially when the original report of harm is categorized as less serious. Alaska exceeds the national standard by as much as 18 percent in this area, according to preliminary numbers. "These cases often involve families suffering from alcohol abuse, mental health issues and ignorance of proper parenting skills," Livey said. "That's exactly why the Knowles-Ulmer Administration's budget for this year sought more resources in these areas. Unfortunately, the Legislature ignored these requests." For instance, the governor's FY03 "Smart Start / Strong Future" budget sought $1.2 million for alcohol treatment for mothers, $975,000 to expand assessment of and response to low-level reports of child abuse or neglect, $825,000 for five new troopers assigned exclusively to child abuse cases, and $750,000 for family visitation centers to bring children and parents together to resolve problems. These requests were rejected by lawmakers, along with a separate $5 million initiative to expand alcohol treatment throughout Alaska. "Like every other state reviewed so far, we will submit an improvement plan to the federal government - ours will be due this fall," Livey said. "It's an opportunity to get very specific about next steps, and I can't imagine a scenario that won't reiterate the need for the additional resources we've been asking for all along." A federal review of each state was ordered by Congress to help states improve child welfare services and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for children and their families. Seventeen states were reviewed last year; Alaska is one of 17 others undergoing review this year. The rest will be completed next year. Livey said Alaska's review comes at the right time. "Protecting children has been the top priority of this administration since Day One, and we have taken great strides to help children and families," he said. "This review adds legitimacy to our concerns and gives us the chance to focus on the next important steps." According to the news release, among the child-related accomplishments of the Knowles-Ulmer Administration are:
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