The head of the Iowa Department of Human Services says he’s making changes at the agency in reaction to the starvation deaths of two teens who’d been adopted out of foster care, but Jerry Foxhoven is warning legislators the “bureaucracy” can’t be realigned “overnight.” “As I try to tell people, DHS is a pretty big organization, when you’re trying to change culture, when you’re trying to make a change — we’re not a jet ski. You know, we’re an aircraft carrier,” Foxhoven says. “I’m trying to turn us into a pontoon boat, so we can more a little bit and be more agile.”

Foxhoven testified before the House and Senate Oversight Committees Thursday afternoon to review an outside consultant’s report on the agency’s child protection services. “It takes a lot of courage to take off all your clothes and stand in front of a mirror. It really does and that’s what we really did here,” Foxhoven said. “…DHS said: ‘Let’s just lay it all on the line and take a real clear look at us and tell us what we’re doing well and what we’re not doing well, so we can start formulating a plan.'”

Foxhoven became D-H-S director in June, AFTER the deaths of teenagers in Perry and West Des Moines where adoptive parents now face criminal charges. Foxhoven has ordered yearly medical check-ups for kids whose parents are getting state adoption subsidies — something he says no other state is doing. Members of the Oversight Committees were largely complimentary of Foxhoven’s work thus far. However some, like Democratic Senator Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids, raised concerns about the high number of child abuse investigations social workers are handling. “I read the report…It’s got some pretty bad things in there,” Hogg said. “…Case loads far exceed those that are recommended nationally. Not enough training.”

Foxhoven says he doesn’t have the money to hire more case workers, so he’s working to ease the stress for the workers he does have — by reducing red tape. “We are a bureaucracy beyond bureacracies. We’re the largest state agency by far,” Foxhoven says. “…As I meet with workers, I say: ‘Tell me what’s driving you crazy.’…I’m basically saying: ‘Tell me what you’re heartburn is. I’m your Maalox.'” Foxhoven has ensured social workers who visit homes to investigate child abuse allegations have a state-issued cell phone. Social workers had been relying on printed-out Mapquest directions rather than a cell phone’s more accurate G-P-S.

(Radio Iowa)

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CST

(FORT MADISON) – A staff member was assaulted by an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, IA at approximately 2:45 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The staff member, a correctional officer, was conducting a search of an inmate’s cell when the inmate attempted to strike the officer with closed fists. The officer that was attacked, as well as another officer that was in the area, quickly took control of the situation. The staff member was assessed by institution medical professionals for scratches and bruises that occurred from the incident. He returned to his post after his medical evaluation.  The inmate that attacked the staff member was transported to University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for further medical assistance.  This incident remains under investigation, and the penitentiary has been placed on “restricted movement” for the time being.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The executive director of Iowa’s state-run broadband network and two subordinates have been fired after state auditors discovered a range of misspending and cronyism during his tenure. A report by State Auditor Mary Mosiman released Thursday says that Iowa Communications Network executive director Ric Lumbard improperly awarded jobs and contracts to individuals associated with a Christian ministry he also leads.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Senate has hired an outside consultant to provide harassment prevention training to lawmakers. Justine Morton tells The Associated Press she will provide the training through her company Morton Consulting. She confirms senators will receive training on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24. Senate staff, clerks and others will get training on Jan. 22 and Jan. 26. House lawmakers and others in that chamber received separate training recently.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Key senators and farm groups are trying to fix a provision slipped into the federal tax overhaul that gave an unexpected tax break to farmers who sell their crops to cooperatives instead of private buyers. Observers say it’s not clear yet whether a fix can pass, given the partisan divide on Capitol Hill. The provision was added in the final days of debate over the tax bill.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A woman accused of passing counterfeit cash at a Sioux City casino has been given two years of probation. Court records say 28-year-old Jackelen Hartsock, of Le Mars, pleaded guilty Tuesday to forgery after prosecutors dropped a theft charge as part of a plea agreement.

The East Pottawattamie County Extension and Outreach and 4-H program are offering “STEM Kids” afterschool program on Wednesday’s in February from 3:00 – 4:30pm at the Carson Fire Station Meeting Room for all 4th grade youth.

Youth will spend the afternoon learning about science, technology, engineering and math through hands on activities, teamwork and experiments.  The program will cost $10.00 per youth to attend the 4 sessions held on February 7, 14, 21, and 28.  All 4th grade youth interested in participating will be required to complete and submit a registration form, available on the website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eastpottawattamie/news/stem-kids-after-school-program-0 Registration forms, payment and health forms will be due to the East Pottawattamie County Extension Office, PO Box 187, Oakland, Iowa 51560 by Monday, January 29th.  STEM Kids registration will be on a first come, first served basis, as spots are limited.

The Cooking with Kids Afterschool program will be offered to 4th graders attending the AHSTW Schools on Tuesdays during the month of March.  Registration forms and additional information will be sent home with 4th grade students and available on our website in February.

The Iowa State Patrol reports one person died during an accident Wednesday afternoon, in Sac County. Authorities say the accident happened at around 12:06-p.m., when a 2007 Chevy Silverado pickup driven by 77-year old Dennis Paul Gosch, of Sac City, stopped at the intersection of Rolfe Avenue and Highway 20, but then proceeded into the intersection. His pickup was struck on the driver’s side by a 2009 Peterbilt semi driven by 61-year old Robert Brown, of Kiron.

The impact pushed the pickup into the median. Gosch died at the scene. Brown was not injured. Both men were wearing their seat belts.