Quality improvement research show that 85% or more of mistakes in organizations, including government agencies, are caused by poorly designed systems.
This suggests that leaders should be accountable for child fatalities rather than individual workers.
As described in recent blogs, federal and state courts have made this difficult by shielding government agencies from child welfare-related lawsuits.
Changing the law is a long-term goal. Shorter term, citizens can advocate for more transparent policies.
For example, the Department of Human Services and many counties won’t release reports on child fatalities, even though state law requires them to do so. Also, when children are killed, counties don’t disclose whether there had been reports to child protection.
Advocating with elected officials and managers to change these practices can improve accountability without lawsuits.