Overview
Of the 60 51A Report investigations that we examined as part of our sample, 27 (45%) were completed after the established due dates. The 51A Report investigations were completed 1 day to 585 days beyond the established due dates, with an average of 131 days late.
The Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC’s) staff members establish investigation due dates within the Licensing Education Analytical Database when they are assigned to investigations.
EEC does not have a policy for investigation timelines. EEC explained that over the course of an investigation, it collaborates with the Department of Children and Families, law enforcement agencies, and other parties, which can result in investigations taking longer than EEC’s self-imposed 30-day timeframe.
Delays in investigating 51A Reports could potentially place children at risk of abuse and neglect.
EEC should develop and implement a policy with a timeline for investigations and communicate that timeline to all stakeholders involved. EEC should ensure that reported issues are addressed quickly, by or before established due dates, to avoid exposing additional children in EEC’s care to abuse or neglect if the cause is not resolved in a timely manner.
| Date published: | November 25, 2024 |
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