DCFS inspector general Meryl Paniak on Wednesday identified four starting points for making improvements in protecting children in cases the agency is investigating.

They are safety assessments, training, supervision and manageable caseloads, Paniak told lawmakers in the House Adoptions and Child Welfare Committee.

Supervision is “key,” she said, but it will require updated, recurring training.

“We need to look into the complex need of the families,” Paniak said. “We need to start by asking staff what they need to do their job.”

She said there are 60 job vacancies in DCFS child protection statewide, and 400 of the 1,200 active cases have gone more than 90 days without agency intervention.

“We all know that workforce problems will negatively affect family outcomes,” Paniak said. “Leaders need to set a vision and drive change for staff. Staff will drive change for families. Families need to change so children can be safe.”

Marc Smith, acting director of DCFS, said he wanted to be “thoughtful” in his approach to addressing the agency’s deficiencies.

Smith said he wants to enhance communication methods, and will continue to pursue something that works until a reasonable solution is found.

But Paniak said there’s an urgency, citing the rising number of child deaths around the state.

During the meeting, it was reported DCFS had already made changes following discussions held April 30, including adding a phone line lawmakers can now call to receive updates about any constituent who approaches them about his or her case.

“I think it’s important for us to be responsive in a way we haven’t before,” Smith said.