LINCOLN- Omaha-area child welfare cases continue to burden case managers with the private contractor that oversees these cases. A state review found that this burden has caused St. Francis Ministries to fall short on key performance measures. State child welfare officials are now requiring the nonprofit to submit an action plan on how they will meet state standards within 90 days.

The agency is working to address the areas of concern but has also met many of the measures for child well-being according to Jodie Austin, regional Vice President for St. Francis. The organizations holds an almost $200 million, five-year contract with the state to manage cases of child abuse in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

Caseloads remain higher than what is allowed by state law with the majority of caseworkers having loads above the legal limit. Worker turnover was at 42% in May. The agency has not met the goal of placing 58.5% of children with relatives. St. Francis did successfully establish triage foster homes to take children on short notice for overnight stays.

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