Parents and advocates press board for transparency, oversight of Children and Family Services; CFS workshop set for June 23

A series of emotional public comments during Tuesday's board meeting focused on concerns about San Bernardino CountyChildren and Family Services (CFS): parents and advocates alleged poor communication, delayed case recording, inconsistent documentation of completed services and perceived overreach that keeps children separated from families.

Multiple speakers recounted lengthy case histories, delayed reunification and difficulty getting timely case records. Carlo, a veteran and community member, asked why some families remain separated for many years despite promised services. "We have parents languishing for over 10 years," he said, and called for accountability in the system.

Several callers asked the board to pull three consent items (item 22, family resource centers contract; item 32, social worker training; and item 33, child abuse prevention contracts) for separate discussion or written responses. Pauline (grandmother and commenter) and other relatives described trouble accessing case information and asked for greater involvement of kin and better communication during dependency proceedings.

Kisha Hill (also recorded as Kisha Kale) described her own dependency case, saying she believes her child was removed after false allegations and urged reforms to the incentive structures she sees in Title IV‑E funding. "My son wasn't abused... I have no potential of getting him back," she said, and urged broader accountability and public scrutiny.

County leadership acknowledged the concerns and scheduled a workshop focused on CFS for June 23. Chief Executive Luther Snoke and Supervisor Armanderas urged residents to return for a public workshop where staff will present caseload volumes, statewide evaluation tools, contract oversight and reforms proposed by the ad hoc committee. "We will be discussing CFS and going over what we are doing currently and what we are in the works making the changes that we believe are necessary," Supervisor Armanderas said.

The board heard requests to improve training for social workers, increase transparency around Title IV‑E contracting and ensure that completed services are recorded and considered in reunification decisions. Officials said they will present a comprehensive report that includes call and referral volumes, documentation practice, contract scope and how the department is working to improve timeliness and communication.

The June 23 workshop is expected to include a public presentation by the ad hoc committee and time for community questions; board members encouraged participants to attend and continue the dialogue.