Praise for Jacobsen

I feel outraged by the scapegoating of Richard (Jake) Jacobsen, former director of San Diego County’s Department of Social Services, who was removed from his position as a final act by departing CAO, Norman Hickey. While we have not always agreed with Jake’s policies and practices, we recognize the tremendous energy and commitment that he gave to needy people and vulnerable children in San Diego County.

He created his own vision for the future of DSS. He was visible and accessible to the work force. He collaborated with our union in the establishment of a union-management committee in the Department of Social Services. This committee helped establish flexible work schedules, which benefit employees as well as the public we serve.

Jacobsen is not personally responsible for problems that exist either in Children’s Services Bureau or the Income Maintenance Bureau. On the contrary, he always encouraged staff to be responsive to the public; nevertheless, he was sacrificed to satisfy critics of the system.

It is our view that the major failings in the systems operated by DSS result from under-funding and under-staffing. This is true in both the Income Maintenance and Child Protective Service Bureaus. We know that as director, Richard Jacobsen pressed for more personnel with some success, but not enough. Some mistakes will occur under almost any conditions because it is in the nature of judgments involved. This is true in all professions, but more mistakes are bound to be made when both social workers and benefit analysts are forced to carry extremely excessive caseloads.

In the long run, Jake will be remembered for creating new linkages between the various systems that serve children and families in the New Beginnings program. The pending legislation to fund New Beginnings programs in other jurisdictions is part of his legacy.

It is ironic that Richard Jacobsen, whose vision may have long-term nationwide influence, has been sacrificed to satisfy those who object to the same system he was desperately trying to improve.

LAURIE ADAM, San Diego County Chapter President, Local 535, Service Employees International Union