This measure represents the Stress Satisfaction Index (SSIX) for DCFS on the Guarding Minds at Work Stress Satisfaction Scan. This scan provides a snapshot of employees’ experiences with fairness and supervisor support, which can have a mediating effect on the overall score. 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 began in the ‘elevated risk of psychological injury’ category in March 2022 and improved over time, entering the ‘low risk of psychological injury’ category in November 2023 with a score of 0.57. Since then, DCFS has generally remained in the ‘average risk of psychological injury’ range. The agency has implemented several strategies to increase employee satisfaction and reduce stress, including a leadership conference in August 2023 focused on creating authentic connections for impactful leadership, collaboration, and team communication; introducing a requirement for supervisors to hold monthly one-on-one meetings with staff; and requiring an annual performance plan for all qualifying staff by October 1, 2023. The May 2026 score of 0.12 keeps DCFS in the ‘average risk’ category, down from 0.19 in February 2026 and above the March 2022 baseline. The leadership team continues to use Results-Based Accountability (RBA) to review scores and implement strategies that positively impact employees.