On October 17, 2025, UPE met with the department about the revised Permanency Social Worker Standards CPS (Adult Protective Services). The last time the standards were published was 2019.
Throughout the policy, UPE had many suggestions for improvement that, surprisingly, the department considered and changed. These changes included making sure that the County provides chargers for all device types in order for Social Workers to "be available by cell phone during work hours…" UPE requested the department to clarify the timeframe of "immediately' when referring to submitting timesheet corrections; the department agreed to remove the word immediately. There is language regarding a CFT occurring prior to all placements and placement changes. UPE posed the question of emergency placements and/or placement changes. We proposed a note be added stating that CFT's prior to placement and placement changes should occur if possible. UPE also asked the department to link other policies as necessary.
Regarding WOD duties, UPE asked what happens during the SW's breaks and lunch? The County stated they will add a note. There will also be a note added that if the SW cannot attend Court, the supervisor is to go in place of the SW.
One of the duties was to demonstrate cultural humility and empathy. UPE wanted to know who is to determine if this is happening in every interaction with clients? The answer given was that the supervisor will know based on the conversation that takes place with the SW. We found that to be subjective, but the County was adamant that this could be determined through staffing.
As I state quite frequently, it is extremely concerning that the County requires its labor staff to demonstrate cultural humility and empathy, while the management staff is allowed to lack both cultural humility and empathy for their line staff.
Thank you for your advocacy, Sarah Singleton, Amena Bell, and Trudy Mallory-Jones
