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State Resources - Results (13 Publications)

Title: Healthy Start of Oregon, Annual Report on Maltreatment Prevention 2006-07.
Author(s): Green, Beth L.;Lambarth, Callie H.;Tarte, Jerod M.;Snoddy, Ashley M.
Published: 2008
Available from: NPC Research
http://www.npcresearch.com
4380 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 530
Portland, OR 97239-6408
Printable version (PDF): http://www.npcresearch.com/Files/Healthy_Start_2006-07_Maltreatment_Report.pdf
Abstract: One of the primary goals of Healthy Start is to ensure that children are free from maltreatment, including physical and emotional neglect and abuse. This report presents data on reported child maltreatment among families participating in Oregon's Healthy Start program, as well as those not served through Healthy Start. (Author abstract)

Title: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in Arkansas [Website].
Published: 2008
Available from: Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts
http://courts.state.ar.us/
625 Marshall Street, Suite 1100
Little Rock, AR 72201
Document available online at: http://www.arkansas.gov/reportARchildabuse/
Abstract: This website for mandated reporters in Arkansas includes warning signs, laws, frequently asked questions, and other materials for professionals.

Title: The Universe of Child Welfare Competencies [Website].
Published: 2008
Available from: Ohio Child Welfare Training Program
http://www.ocwtp.net/
c/o Institute for Human Services (State Coordinator)
1706 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43203
Document available online at: http://www.ocwtp.net/Universe%20of%20Competencies.htm
Abstract: The "Universe of Competencies" is Ohio's comprehensive listing of all the knowledge and skills required for child welfare staff to do their jobs. This "Universe" is the essential driving force behind the OCWTP's comprehensive, competency-based inservice training (CCBIT) system. The competencies are the criteria used to assess individual training needs, from which aggregate training needs for an agency, county, region, or the whole state are determined. In addition, the competencies guide the development of all of the OCWTP's training courses and curriculum content and determine what training expertise are needed in the OCWTP's trainer pool. All of the competencies listed on this website are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader or other PDF-reader software to view. (Author abstract)

Title: Tune in For Child Safety [Website].
Published: 2008
Available from: New York State Office of Children and Family Services
http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us
Capital View Office Park
52 Washington Street

Rensselaer, NY 12144-2796
Document available online at: http://www.tuneinforchildsafety.org/
Abstract: This is a comprehensive training program created to promote the safety and protection of children in New York City. This training was designed to help group child care center staff in New York City learn the indicators that may signal possible abuse and maltreatment. It also outlines what to do if you suspect that a child in your program might be abused or maltreated. (Author abstract)

Title: Interjurisdictional Resources.
Published: 2007
Available from: Collaboration to AdoptUSKids
http://www.adoptuskids.org
8015 Corporate Drive
Suite C
Baltimore, MD 21236
Printable version (PDF): http://216.38.216.37/adoptusa/documents/IJ_resources/IJ_resources.pdf
Abstract: In response to the many concerns about the delays in and complexities of interjurisdictional placements for children in foster care, the Children's Bureau developed and conducted a national survey focused on identifying strategies and possible solutions for resolving these issues. A report was developed that describes the survey's findings and presents ten recommendations for improving the overall process. Recommendation 3 was identified for immediate action by AdoptUsKids: Create a national Web site with either State pages or links to State Web sites containing information on the following State requirements: criminal background checks, coverage of medical and educational expenses as a sending and as a receiving State, a list of Purchase of Service (POS) agencies with active contracts and POS requirements within the State, home study requirements, and post-placement standards for supervision. This chart details State-by-State resource information. (Author abstract)

Title: Healthy Start of Oregon 2005-2006 Status Report
Author(s): Green, Beth L.;Mackin, Juliette R.;Tarte, Jerod M.;Brekhus, Jodi.;Snoddy, Ashley M.;Warren, Joseph M.;
Published: 2007
Available from: NPC Research
http://www.npcresearch.com
4380 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 530
Portland, OR 97239-6408
Printable version (PDF): http://www.npcresearch.com/Files/Healthy_Start_Status_Report_2005-06.pdf
Abstract: This report discusses the activities and outcomes of Healthy Start of Oregon, a program designed to offer all first-time parents a range of services appropriate to their needs, ranging from information and educational materials to longer-term, more intensive home visiting services that continue throughout the early childhood years. The text begins by explaining the goals of the Healthy Start program in Oregon and the program credentialing process by Healthy Families America (HFA). The restructuring of the Healthy Start program due to budget constraints is described, including the selection of performance indicators and changes in eligibility and screening processes. Program delivery challenges are also reviewed. The report then presents program outcomes for children and families for fiscal year 2005-06 in the following areas: reducing risk factors for child maltreatment, promoting healthy development, promoting school readiness, and supporting family self-sufficiency. Findings are also reported for analyses that examined outcomes for Healthy Start clients with different demographic and risk characteristics and parent satisfaction. The following section of the report explains findings related to program implementation and service delivery, including screening to identify higher-risk families, intensive service capacity, engaging in families in services, and dropout rates. Overall, results found Oregon's Healthy Start program met or exceeded HFA standards in almost every area in which evaluation data were available. Further, Healthy Start was found to be effective in engaging families with numerous risk factors for child maltreatment. An appendix includes a table showing progress towards selected HFA critical elements. 16 references, 1 table, and 3 figures.

Title: DFPS Rapid Response Team Investigation of Child Placing Agency Foster Homes: Summary of Activities from December 2006 - March 2007.
Published: 2007
Available from: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/
701 W. 51st Street
Austin, TX 78751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/documents/about/pdf/2007-04-04_Mesa.pdf
Abstract: Three child fatalities over a 16-month period, between August 2005 and December 2006, raised serious concerns about safety in foster homes verified by Mesa Family Services, a child placing agency (CPA) in Texas. After the first two child fatalities in Mesa foster homes, the CPA relinquished its license and contract with the Texas Dept. of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Its foster homes transferred to other CPAs, the majority to Therapeutic Family Life. In December 2006, DFPS formed a Rapid Response Team to investigate and review risk factors in all foster homes previously verified by Mesa Family Services to ensure the safety of foster children in these homes. The executive-directed Rapid Response project entailed placement suspensions, statewide onsite investigations of 126 foster homes within a two-week period, reverification of detailed background and criminal history check information, additional FBI and local law enforcement checks, and a final review by trained risk assessment staff of all of the gathered information. Although the Rapid Response Teams found the majority of foster homes to be providing safe and adequate care, some homes had minor compliance concerns and some had major safety concerns. There were four general areas of concern identified in the course of the Rapid Response: (1) The quality of home studies, or detailed social histories of family dynamics that assess whether a family is appropriate for foster parenting; (2) Children's placements mismatched with the abilities and expectations of foster parents; (3) The degree to which financial risk factors were properly assessed and mitigated in the verification and ongoing management of foster homes; and (4) The degree to which required background check information was obtained and used to ensure child safety The findings of the Rapid Response Team led to the closure of 17 foster homes formerly licensed by Mesa and the movement of 22 children to other homes. Since the review period, additional closures and placement changes have occurred. DFPS continues to use its contracting and regulatory mechanisms to address remaining concerns. The Department offers recommendations to improve the processes by which foster homes are verified and managed by CPAs and areas for internal DFPS improvements. Further, DFPS details improvements that can be achieved through a legislative agenda designed to heighten contract and licensing oversight of foster care providers. (Author abstract)

Title: Certification Standards for Foster Care, Relative Care, and Pre-Adoptive Families.
Published: 2007
Available from: Oregon Department of Human Services
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/
500 Summer St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
Printable version (PDF): http://dhsforms.hr.state.or.us/Forms/Served/DE9303.pdf
Abstract: The purpose of these rules is to describe the criteria for becoming a certified relative caregiver, foster parent, or preadoptive parent in Oregon.

Title: NYS Foster Parent Manual.
Author(s): McBride, Rebecca.
Published: 2007
Available from: New York State Office of Children & Family Services
http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main
52 Washington Street
Rensselaer, NY 12144-2796
Printable version (PDF): http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/publications/Pub5011%20NYS%20Foster%20Parent%20Manual.pdf
Abstract: This manual was developed for use in New York foster parents' day-to-day life with the children in their care. It gives practical information on topics like medical care, payments, and the role of the court, and also provides guidance on areas like welcoming a child, discipline, and parent visits. Throughout the manual, we emphasize the role of foster parents in working together with caseworkers and birth parents in helping the child achieve permanency. Each chapter contains information on state policies related to foster parenting. (Author abstract)

Title: Colorado Court Improvement Program Respondent Parents' Counsel Task Force Statewide Needs Assessment: Executive Summary.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Center for State Courts
http://www.ncsconline.org/
300 Newport Avenue
Williamsburg, VA 23185-4147
Printable version (PDF): http://www.courts.state.co.us/supct/committees/courtimprovementdocs/CORPCFinalNeedAssesExeSum.pdf
Abstract: This executive summary presents the findings of the Respondent Parents' Counsel Task Force Statewide Needs Assessment, an assessment intended to inform Colorado's efforts to promote quality representation for parents in dependency and neglect proceedings. The needs assessment examined the issues facing respondent parents' counsels (RPCs) using multiple data sources and both qualitative and quantitative methods. The methodological model adopted included selection of specific project sites for intensive data collection, as well as a web-based survey designed to capture a statewide perspective from RPC and other stakeholders. The three project sites included: the Second Judicial District (Denver County); the Fourth Judicial District (El Paso and Teller County); and the Nineteenth Judicial District (Weld County). Specifically, the following data sources informed this needs assessment study: Statewide and online survey of 118 dependency and neglect system stakeholders and 44 RPCs; semi-structured in-person interviews and focus groups with 96 system stakeholders and 15 RPCs in project sites; analysis of 404 court records; structured observation of 151 dependency and neglect case hearing practices; and analysis of management information systems data where available. Findings are reported on the barriers to effective RPC services, RPC performance, and administration of RPC services. It is concluded that the practice of law representing parents in Colorado dependency cases is typically adequate but rarely proficient, and that the cause of sub proficient practice is not unwillingness of counsel to provide proficient service but rather the existence of practice, administration, and court systems which discourage optimal practice. Recommendations for improving RPC services are made.

Title: Foster Care Services: Process, Practice and Policy. Participant Guide.
Published: 2007
Available from: Georgia Department of Human Resources
http://dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-DFCS/
Division of Family and Children Services
Constituent Services
2 Peachtree Street, NW
Suite 18-486

Atlanta, GA 30303
Printable version (PDF): http://dhr.state.ga.us/DHR-DFCS/DHR_DFCS-Edu/Files/Electronic%20FC%20PG%207-01-07.pdf
Abstract: This participant's guide presents information and materials designed to prepare professionals for providing foster care services in Georgia. Seven modules are included that address: case management skills, the purpose and philosophy of foster care, and policy mandates relating to case file organization; the authority and process by which children enter foster care, the foster care policies, and the online policy manual; interviewing, documenting and completing the necessary forms; the Comprehensive Child and Family Assessment; the case planning process using family centered practice techniques and the Case Plan Reporting System; the activities of case management, including the monitoring of case progress, and criteria for case closure and phases of reunification. Modules include legal citations, case studies, and practice activities. 6 references.

Title: Issues to Consider in Placement Decisions (Appendix 6311 of Child Protective Services Handbook).
Published: 2003
Available from: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/
701 W. 51st Street
Austin, TX 78751
Document available online at: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/handbooks/CPS/Files/CPS_px_6311.jsp
Abstract: This appendix list key considerations that child welfare professionals should evaluate when making child placement decisions. Issues that should be addressed every time a substitute caregiver is selected are listed, as well as key considerations when evaluating the child, the parents, and the caregivers. Procedural issues that should be considered when selecting a substitute caregiver are also listed. Finally, a list of questions is provided to help workers identify the key issues in particular placements.

Title: Adoptions in California: Agency, Independent, and Intercountry Adoption Programs Annual Statistical Report July 1, 1998-June 30, 1999.
Published: 2001
Available from: California Department of Social Services
http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/Default.htm
744 P Street, Suite 1750

Sacramento, CA 95814
Abstract: This annual report describes the aggregate adoption activities and statistics for the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 1998-99 for agency adoptions, independent adoptions, and intercountry adoptions in California. It begins with a description of California adoption programs and adoption agencies before presenting 12 data tables and data collection instruments. Statistics indicate: 8,963 children were legally freed for adoption during SFY 1998-99; 5,902 adoptions were finalized; 8,471 new families applied to adoption children and 5,939 were approved; 341 California children were adopted in other States; 200 children from other States were adopted in California; 1,225 court approvals to adopt were recommended for independent adoptions; 410 new children from other countries were placed in California homes; and 616 children from other countries were adopted in California. 12 tables.

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