BOSTON (WWLP) - A recent state audit found that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) failed to update records of mental health services and human trafficking prevention measures for those in their custody. New 216-acre Still Brook Park in Feeding Hills opens State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s Office identified areas for improvement by DCF around mental health services and related medical records after a review from July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023. DCF is tasked with providing services such as adoption, guardianship, foster care, and housing stabilization to children and families who are at risk or who have been abused and neglected. Mental Health Services DCF did not always obtain or renew court approval before children in its protective custody were administered antipsychotic medications. DCF did not always document and/or update psychotropic medications listed in children’s medical records. DCF did not document follow-up doctor appointments and recommended psychosocial services, such as counseling, in the iFamilyNet (iFN) system for children in its protective custody receiving psychotropic medications. DCF did not always document its consent in iFN for children in its protective custody to receive psychotropic medications. DCF did not ensure that children received recommended psychosocial services in conjunction with their prescriptions for psychotropic medications. DCF does not have adequate oversight policies or procedures for children prescribed psychotropic medications that exceed the FDA’s recommended maximum dosage. DCF responded to each issue above in the audit report and listed its reasoning as well as improvements the organization will take going forward. Human Trafficking Prevention A report cited Massachusetts as one of five states where there was no evidence that children in foster care were screened for human trafficking after they had gone missing from, and later returned to foster care. It is recommended by the State Auditor that DCF coordinate with other state agencies, law enforcement, and other child-serving agencies to address how to detect and respond to human trafficking. The audit report stated that DCF appears to have taken steps to collaborate with relevant organizations, coordinate additional training for care providers, and hire more staff members. DCF also plans to develop a website to raise awareness of this issue. LGBTQ Youth An area of concern during the audit also included the DCF’s implementation of recommendations by the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth. It is recommended by the State Auditor that DCF collaborate with the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth to implement recommendations from its annual report. In response, DCF has been continuing to work towards implementing the recommendations of the Commission. As part of the recommendations, DCF has hired a Director of LGBTQIA+ Services and three Regional LGBTQIA+ Specialists. In addition, DCF meets regularly with the Massachusetts Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning Youth and requests their feedback on DCF initiatives. DCF and [this commission] also participate in an [Executive Office of Health and Human Services] workgroup that meets regularly to coordinate efforts on this topic. Cybersecurity DCF did not ensure that all employees with access to COVID-19 funds received annual refresher cybersecurity awareness training. Those who did not complete the annual training are at a higher risk of cyberattacks and financial and/or reputational losses. In response, DCF has developed and implemented additional procedures and controls to ensure compliance with annual refresher cybersecurity awareness training requirements. The DCF Audit Report Audit-Report-Department-of-Children-and-FamiliesDownload “As we strive to ensure the Commonwealth’s children are fully protected and supported, it is so important that we shine a light on areas for improvement, especially when it comes to a child’s mental health and overall safety,” said Auditor DiZoglio. “We acknowledge the Department of Children and Families’ full cooperation with our audit team to ensure that we are able to, together, help make government work better for our most vulnerable populations. We will be following up with a six-month post-audit review to track progress.” Local News Headlines TRACK: Tropical system forming in the Caribbean Audit: DCF failed to update mental health records, measures to prevent child sex trafficking Water main break on Mountain View Drive in Holyoke Massachusetts animal shelter takes in stray kitten with broken thighs WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.