This measure represents the Stress Satisfaction Offset Score (SSOS) for DCFS on the Guarding Minds at Work Stress Satisfaction Scan. This scan provides a snapshot of employees’ overall balance between satisfaction and stress. This is strongly associated with a variety of physical and mental health outcomes and is expressed as a single number ranging from -2 to +2. Positive scores point toward a psychologically safer environment while negative scores suggest a greater risk of harm.

DCFS started in the 'elevated risk of psychological injury' category in March 2022 and improved over time, reaching the 'average risk of psychological injury' category in the August 2023 scan and generally maintaining that status through early 2024. DCFS implemented several strategies to improve employee stress versus satisfaction rates, including a leadership conference in August 2023 focused on building authentic connections for effective leadership, collaboration, and team communication; introducing monthly one-on-one meetings for all supervisors and staff; and requiring an annual performance plan for all qualifying staff by October 1, 2023.

Recent data show some fluctuation, with scores moving between the 'average risk' and 'elevated risk' categories. After reaching 0.10 in May 2024, scores declined through the second half of 2024 and into 2025, with the most recent data from November 2025 showing -0.15, placing DCFS in the 'elevated risk of psychological injury' category. The current and overall trends are improving. The leadership team has been using Results-Based Accountability (RBA) since fiscal year 2025 to review scores more closely and implement strategies to improve employee engagement.