Splitting up state DSHS will waste money, not save it

PERENNIAL proposals to break up the Department of Social and Health Services are correctly dismissed as budgetary scapegoating, yet they have exposed a critical truth: The $20 billion annual cost of running DSHS is too high and the results too minimal.

The latest proposal to break the massive agency into four came from Rep. Mike Armstrong, R-Wenatchee. The bill would eliminate DSHS within two years and replace it with smaller agencies: the Department of Economic Services, Department of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and the Department of Children's Services.

A bill in the Senate would privatize many of the agency's duties, particularly in the area of child welfare.

Gov. Christine Gregoire wisely nixed the efforts for this legislative session while the $8 billion budget hole looms.

DSHS is the most expensive and inefficient state agency. Taxpayers send $10 billion a year to DSHS and the federal government contributes another $10 billion annually.

For its money, the public endures a beleaguered agency plagued with outdated computer systems and burned-out caseworkers.

Former Gov. Dan Evans created the agency in 1970 to provide one-stop shopping for social services. The entire needs of families could be addressed at once, from medical care to public assistance to rehabilitation services. Over the years, tasks have been pulled from the agency in a bid to make it more efficient.

Improvements have come along the way. The agency has commendably reduced caseloads to allow social workers to spend more time on individual needs. The agency is streamlining its computer networks so information is more accessible.

But overall, the agency flounders and mistakes are costly.

DSHS is under a court order to institute foster-care reforms after settling a class-action lawsuit.

Recently the state paid $320,000 to settle a claim that it failed to protect a young boy who was abused and eventually died in foster care. Years earlier, state and federal authorities paid $5 million to the same boy and his three siblings to settle claims that they were horribly abused.

Attention must be paid to DSHS. But breaking up the agency or contracting out its tasks is not a viable option this legislative session.