Blue ribbon panel discusses progress to improve child welfare system

A blue ribbon committee met Wednesday afternoon to discuss progress and plans for improving Clark County's troubled child welfare and court system. The committee received plaudits for progress but was reminded of looming obstacles.

The committee, led by Nevada Supreme Court Justice Nancy Saitta, was formed in fall 2014 after the child welfare system was found to have severe shortcomings. The system has faced heavy scrutiny in recent years for failures to ensure child safety and for the death of a child in foster care.

In March, the committee published a report describing the system's problems and outlined seven reform recommendations for lawmakers and county officials to consider.

Saitta recognized the committee's strides Wednesday, but acknowledged the work ahead.

"I will remind you all, how far we have to go," Saitta said.

Since July, 48 children have been kept out of foster care, said Brigid Duffy, chief deputy district attorney for the county's juvenile division.

Saitta said an improved case management system had made it easier to look up case histories and report metrics. She added that each family was assigned one judge for the duration of its case, a change from the prior system in which cases could bounce among different judicial officers.

The committee, consisting of seven subcommittees, also discussed plans to make the courtroom more comfortable for children by scheduling more hearings after school and providing transportation if needed.

In fall 2014, the committee received federal support from U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev.

A search for a new county child welfare director continues. The agency's former leader, Lisa Ruiz-Lee, resigned last year amid criticism about her leadership.

Contact Alexander S. Corey at acorey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0270. Find him on Twitter: @acoreynews