On August 9, 2024, your UPE team met with the County to get an update on the progress of the Consultation and Closure Unit (CCU).
During this meeting, the department stated that the backlog was largely complete, and they have begun full implementation. UPE asked how the department went about cleaning up the backlog, to which the department responded that it is up to the Social Worker (SW) to call CCU as long as the referral/case meets the criteria for closure. Management also stated that they hope to get two (2) more CCU supervisor positions.
UPE brought to management’s attention that some huddles are lasting longer than the 10-15 minutes that were agreed upon from the last time we met. They stated a conversation would be had with supervisors to inform them that huddles are not to take the place of staffings. We also brought to the department’s attention that SWs whose referrals/cases do not meet the criteria to stay in the huddle are being made to do so. SWs whose referrals/cases do not meet the criteria should only have to check in and not remain in the huddle. Management stated they would also reiterate the criteria for the huddles to supervisors.
Thank you, Sarah Singleton and Nikkita Moorer, for your advocacy!