‘A whitewash’: Aurora councilwoman blasts report finding no widespread child services problems

Arapahoe County Releases Report on Department of Human Services Investigation

Last year, a false accusation of child abuse was made against Aurora Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky. Arapahoe County has now released a report summarizing the findings of an investigation into its Department of Human Services (DHS) and its processes involving child welfare cases.

Investigation Findings

1. No “pervasive” issues were found relating to the protection of children.
2. No “systemic concerns” of falsification of documents were identified.
3. One caseworker was fired for falsifying contacts.
4. Four other caseworkers were fired for “personal or performance issues.”

The report highlights the implementation of new “oversight structures” to identify and address problems with caseworker behavior.

Damages Awarded to Aurora Councilwoman in Case of False Child Abuse Report

Despite the investigation’s findings, Councilwoman Jurinsky and her attorneys held a press conference claiming that the report whitewashes systemic problems within the department. They are working with state legislators to review DHS practices and are calling for an independent state audit of Arapahoe County DHS. They also suggested an end to qualified immunity protections for social workers in Colorado.

Spokesperson’s Statement

A spokesperson for Arapahoe County defended the investigation and report, stating that there are no systemic issues with the department.

Ongoing Case and Criminal Charges

Regarding the ongoing case and criminal charges against former caseworker Robin Niceta, Councilwoman Jurinsky expressed her hope for justice. She criticized Niceta’s claims of a brain tumor diagnosis, alleging that Niceta made up the diagnosis and medical documents. Niceta’s trial is scheduled to begin on August 1.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
• SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the article discusses the investigation into the Department of Human Services (DHS) and its processes involving child welfare cases. The findings of this investigation can potentially serve as indicators to measure progress towards developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (SDG 16.6) and promoting social, economic, and political inclusion (SDG 10.2).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: denver7.com

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