"DHSS regulations need to be tightened to ensure that children receive the best care possible," Montee said. "Limiting the number of related children and providing more oversight is needed to assure the safety of Missouri's youngest citizens. "

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has responsibility for licensing child care providers, including child day care centers, group day care homes, and certain family day care homes. Improvements are needed in oversight, compliance and tracking of child care facilities. This is a follow-up of the 2002 audit report Child Care Facilities Inspections and Licensing (2002-52).

Licensed family day care home providers and group day care homes may be caring for an unlimited number of children. DHSS regulations have not included related children in the number of children in care and providers caring for related children have not been subjected to other licensing regulations. In addition, periodic follow-up visits have not occurred to ensure illegally operating providers become compliant, or remain compliant with regulations, complaint investigation procedures have not always been adequate and penalties imposed by the General Assembly are not always a deterrent.

A review of data obtained from the complaint tracking system showed some incomplete complaint investigations, complaints with incorrect data entered, and officials have not made use of the complaint tracking system to produce periodic management reports.

A review of complaints disclosed staff did not complete 42 percent of complaint investigations within 30 days as required by department procedure. In addition, auditors found the department had not established written goals for the timeliness of the administrative penalty process and some legal cases had not been resolved in a timely manner. As a result, some providers continued to operate with no disciplinary action.

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