DHS pace of change is slammed

By the end of the month, a panel of child-welfare experts appointed by the mayor will deliver another review of the agency and make recommendations. Both Richman and Evans said they would do whatever it took to make sure that the changes take hold.

A Failing Grade on All Counts

In February, the state Department of Public Welfare released a report card on the performance of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services. It looked at 80 cases where the city paid private child-welfare agencies to visit children in their own homes. Some excerpts:

"Children are, first and foremost, protected from abuse and neglect."

Substantially achieved: 34 cases (42.5 percent)

"Families have enhanced capacity to provide for their children's needs."

Substantially achieved: 17 cases (21 percent)

"Children receive adequate services to meet their physical and mental health needs."

Substantially achieved: 33 cases (41 percent)

Read our continuing coverage of DHS at http://go.philly.com/dhs