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State Resources - Results (18 Publications)

Title: Case Management Optimization: Best Practices and Emerging Trends in Case Management.
Published: 2008
Available from: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Boulevard
7th Floor
Austin, TX 78751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/about_hhsc/reports/CaseManagement_BestPractices.pdf
Abstract: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) contracted with Navigant Consulting, Inc. for assistance in the optimization of the State's case management services. This report highlights best practices and emerging trends in case management in other States and the commercial sector for HHSC to consider. To identify best practices and emerging trends, a literature search was conducted that included case management organizations' websites, Federal and State reports and websites, as well as relevant journals. Professional experience and interviews with State representatives also informed the findings. Section 1 of the report discusses findings related to the definition of case management, Social Security Act provisions for case management, Deficit Reduction Act provisions for case management, case manager qualifications, outcomes, and payments for services. Section 2 discusses findings from public sector case management models, including single entry point systems, "no wrong door" systems, long-term care programs, and integrated funding models. The final section highlights best practices and emerging trends in private sector case management models and describes case management and care coordination, and the use of a consumer-driven approach. The implementation of the Texas Real Choice System Change grant, as well as the Texas ADRC project, is also discussed. 89 references.

Title: Involving Fathers.
Published: 2008
Available from: Iowa Department of Human Services
http://www.dhs.iowa.gov/
Hoover State Office Building
1305 E. Walnut
Des Moines, IA 50319
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/docs/01.08_Involving_Fathers.pdf
Abstract: This practice bulletin focuses on the need to engage fathers of children in foster care in planning for their child. The benefits of father involvement are noted, and strategies for engaging fathers are provided. A chart pairs challenges and opportunities for father involvement with concrete practices to involve fathers. The roles of different professionals and foster parents in maintaining the parent-child bond are also described.

Title: Close to Home.
Published: 2008
Available from: Iowa Department of Human Services
http://www.dhs.iowa.gov/
Hoover State Office Building
1305 E. Walnut
Des Moines, IA 50319
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/docs/01.08_Close_to_Home.pdf
Abstract: This practice bulletin focuses on the need to find foster care placements near the home of the child. It stresses the importance of maintaining parental visitation for future reunification and connections, and the difficulties faced by parents when the placement is more than 30 minutes away. General tips for choosing a placement are listed.

Title: Task Force on Children in Foster Care and Adoption Services / Submitted to Governor Mark Sanford.
Published: 2008
Available from: South Carolina Office of the Governor
http://www.scgovernor.com/
P.O. Box 12267
Columbia, SC 29211
Printable version (PDF): http://www.scgovernor.com/NR/rdonlyres/B65489FA-025A-41B2-87A8-F190642CC219/0/TaskForceChildrenFCAServices.pdf
Abstract: This report presents the recommendations of the South Carolina Task Force on Children in Foster Care and Adoption Services for reducing the number of months a child spend in foster care until the finalization of adoption. It begins by explaining the development of the task force and the need to reform the foster care system to provide permanency for children and youth in the care of the Department of Social Services (DSS). Recommendations are then made for the DSS, including personnel, policy, and program development recommendations. The following section provides legislative recommendations, and the final section outlines proposals for the judicial system. Recommendations include the need for a putative father registry, the service of notice of adoption pleadings on children, accelerated hearings for termination of parental rights, and increases in DSS and court legal staff.

Title: Model for Care For Children from the Yearning for Zion Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints Sect.
Published: 2008
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/2008-04-22_Model_for_Care_For_Children_from_the_Yearning_for_Zion.pdf
Abstract: This draft provides practice suggestions for providing child welfare services to children from the Yearning for Zion Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints compound. Guidelines are provided for basic placement and care, educational services, and therapy services. The guidelines stress that the children not be exposed into mainstream culture too quickly or in ways that would hinder their success should they reunite with family.

Title: Case Management Optimization: Waiver Feasibility Assessment.
Published: 2008
Available from: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Boulevard
7th Floor
Austin, TX 78751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/about_hhsc/reports/CaseManagement_Waiver.pdf
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of combining under a single 1115 or 1915(c) federal waiver, utilization management, case management, care coordination, high-cost targeting, provider incentives, and other quality and cost control measures implemented with respect to the Medicaid program. To determine the feasibility of using a federal waiver, Navigant Consulting considered the results of several earlier project tasks, including: a summary of best practices in case management used by other States and other payers; an analysis of current case management systems; a review of stakeholder comments on reports, stakeholders' surveys and focus groups results; and the development of recommendations to optimize case management activities. The study concluded that a waiver program to combine the services into a single program is neither feasible nor necessary to achieve key objectives. The case is made that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) is unlikely to approve a cross-disability waiver and that even if such a waiver received federal approval, it would involve creating an organization that would be responsible for the consolidated activities and would require major systems changes and additional administrative burden. An initial integration of all health and human services enterprise case management and care coordination services is recommended to provide the Texas Health and Human Services Commission with a basis for further development and consolidation of other functions such as utilization management, provider incentive practices, and high-cost targeting. Background information on cost containment and quality practices as defined within the private and public sectors is provided, as well as information on federal regulations governing the 1115 and 1915(c) waivers and the scope of different waiver categories, the methodology of the study, and conclusions from the study.

Title: Case Management Optimization: Recommendations for Improving Texas Case Management Delivery.
Published: 2008
Available from: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Boulevard
7th Floor
Austin, TX 78751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/about_hhsc/reports/CaseManagement_Recommendations.pdf
Abstract: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) contracted with Navigant Consulting, Inc. for assistance in the optimization of the State's case management services. This report discusses recommendations for improving the delivery of case management services in Texas. The recommendations are based on professional experiences, findings related to an analysis of the current case management system in Texas, research into best practices and emerging trends in case management, and stakeholder input obtained through focus groups, interviews and surveys. Findings indicate the current system creates an environment where an individual may access the system at different points for different needs, may encounter duplicative intake processes, and may be involved with multiple case managers who lack sufficient tools to coordinate and communicate with each other. Key recommendations include: develop a common baseline service definition for "case management" across the systems and consider changing the term to "service coordination"; develop guidelines for a tiered qualification system and caseloads for case managers that link case manager qualifications to the consumer's need for levels of intensity and specialized interventions; develop a uniform protocol for initial screening, triage, referral as a basic tool to carry out improved case management responsibilities and reduce inefficiency and ineffectiveness in the system; integrate management information systems across the various departments to facilitate the sharing of data between departments and to standardize the collection and reporting of appropriate data for tracking and monitoring financial performance and outcomes measures; and develop a uniform reimbursement methodology. Additional recommendations are discussed for integrating case management services, and potential barriers and implications for the implementation of the recommendations are addressed. Numerous tables and 37 references.

Title: Sexual Abuse: Protecting Your Child at School.
Published: 2008
Available from: Virginia Department of Social Services
http://www.dss.state.va.us/
7 North Eighth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dss.state.va.us/files/division/dfs/cps/child_abuse_prevention_month/2008/sexual_abuse.pdf
Abstract: This tip sheet discusses what parents can do to prevent sexual abuse at school.

Title: Case Management Optimization: Analysis of Current Case Management System.
Published: 2008
Available from: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Boulevard
7th Floor
Austin, TX 78751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/about_hhsc/reports/CaseManagement_Analysis.pdf
Abstract: This report discusses the outcomes of a review and analysis of current health and human services enterprise case management services in Texas. The review included interviews with state staff and program managers and advocates, focus groups, and surveys of consumers and case management staff. In addition, program documents were reviewed, including program manuals, Medicaid State Plan amendments and waiver documents, as well as previous Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) reports. The report provides a summary of each HHS program providing case management services and findings related to key features of these programs. It also includes a summary of the major themes that emerged during focus groups with case managers and consumers, and results and analysis of the focus groups in the Stakeholder Involvement Report. Findings indicate: many of the case management programs reviewed define case management services differently; the lack of uniform data creates difficulty in comparing utilization, consumers of case management services, and expenditures across programs; there are variations in caseloads and qualifications for case managers or those who perform case management type functions across the departments; the level of coordination between programs, departments, and other organizations varies widely; geographic issues appear to primarily impact the services that case managers authorize for their clients; and consumers and case managers are both concerned about duplication in the areas of intake and assessment. The report concludes that the variation between case management services across programs serving similar populations may create inefficiencies for HHSC and create service difficulties for HHSC clients. In addition, there may be potential for confusion on the part of providers, State staff, and clients. Appendices present several tables that summarize programs in terms of expenditures and utilization. Additionally, appendices include summaries of the populations served, service providers and caseload.

Title: What You Can Do About Child Abuse.
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/DE9061.pdf
Abstract: This book will help mandatory reporters in Oregon understand what, when and how to report, as well as give an idea of what happens after a report is made.

Title: Ohio Children in Planned Permanent Living Arrangements: Trends and Outcomes.
Published: 2007
Available from: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
http://jfs.ohio.gov/
30 E. Broad Street, 32nd Floor

Columbus, OH 43215
Printable version (PDF): http://jfs.ohio.gov/ocf/PPLAReportJune2007_final.pdf
Abstract: The purpose of this report is to examine one of the dispositions for children in foster care that is somewhat overlooked but significant in terms of the number of children involved: planned permanent living arrangements (PPLA). The report provides the legal context for sanctioning this position and then examines children in Ohio who have been in PPLA over the past three years to see how they got there and their outcomes. (Author abstract)

Title: Best Practices in Child Maltreatment Prevention and Intervention.
Published: 2006
Available from: Arkansas General Assembly, Bureau of Legislative Research.
http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/data/bureau.htm
State Capitol Building, Room 315
500 Woodlane

Little Rock, AR 72201
Printable version (PDF): http://staging.arkleg.state.ar.us/Policy/TaskForce/part4/Best%20Practices%20in%20Child%20Maltreatment%20Prevention.pdf
Abstract: The purpose of this report is to identify best practices discussed in the professional literature for addressing child maltreatment. Best practices are shaped by the magnitude, definitions, types, antecedents, consequences, theoretical frameworks, research, and policies associated with social problems, in this case maltreatment of children. (Author abstract)

Title: A Re-Assessment of Tennessee's Judicial Process in Foster Care Cases. Volume I.
Author(s): Justice, Nyasha N.;Kinkead, Leslie Barrett.
Published: 2005
Available from: Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts
http://tscaoc.tsc.state.tn.us/
511 Union Street
Suite 600
Nashville, TN 37219
Printable version (PDF): http://tscaoc.tsc.state.tn.us/geninfo/Programs/CourtImprovement/Docs/reassessment.pdf
Abstract: This assessment utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to collect in-depth information on court practices related to children in foster care. The methods utilized are: A review of state laws to determine compliance with federal mandates and professional practice standards; A distribution of statewide surveys to key stakeholder groups in the juvenile court system; Completion of judicial file reviews of juvenile court cases in four counties; and Focus groups or interviews conducted with key stakeholder groups in the juvenile court system in two counties. This report is organized into two volumes. Volume I contains four chapters. Chapter I includes the overview of the re-assessment; a description of Tennessee's court system; a history and description of the activities of the CIP since 1998; and a description of the Tennessee's child welfare system. Chapter II reviews Tennessee's statutory framework and compares it to federal law and national standards. Chapter III provides an assessment of the findings of the data collected from the statewide surveys and judicial case file reviews. Chapter III addresses Methods of Assessment, Quality of Proceedings, and Organizational Issues. Chapter IV includes a summary of findings and recommendations based on the findings. (Author abstract)

Title: Child Abuse and Neglect: Recognizing, Reporting, and Responding for Educators [e-learning].
Published: 2005
Available from: Virginia Institute for Social Services Training Activities (VISSTA)
http://www.vcu.edu/vissta/
104 North Linden Street, P.O. Box 842027
Richmond, VA 23284-2027
Document available online at: http://www.vcu.edu/vissta/training/va_teachers/
Abstract: This training module is for Virginia teachers who are mandated, by law, to report suspected child abuse and neglect, and who are required to complete child abuse and neglect study as part of their licensure process.

Title: Report of the Committee to Prevent Sexual Abuse, State of Maine, the First Regular Session of the 122nd Maine Legislature.
Published: 2005
Available from: Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Office of Child and Family Services.
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/bcfs/
221 State Street
Augusta, ME 04333
Document available online at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/report2005.doc
Abstract: This report discusses the findings and recommendations of the Committee to Prevent Sexual Abuse, a committee in Maine developed to prevent sexual offending by: identifying the subpopulation of potential offenders or young persons at risk of offending because they have been sexually or physically abused or face a significant mental health disability; identifying the types of prevention and treatment currently known to work with these young persons; coordinating prevention and education efforts with the goal of seeking coordinated services to transition at-risk youth to healthy adulthood; and reporting findings to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters and criminal justice and public safety matters. The committee proposes using a public health approach to address sexual abuse and presents findings and recommendations in four key steps: surveillance (including tracking and monitoring trends, such as incidence and prevalence), using risk factor research to identify risk and protective factors associated with sexual offending, program development and evaluation resulting in best practice, empirically-supported interventions, and dissemination and implementation. 2 figures and 69 figures.

Title: What Parents Need To Know About Child Sexual Abuse.
Published: 2005
Available from: Vermont Department for Children and Families
http://dcf.vermont.gov/
103 South Main Street, "A" Building
Waterbury, VT 05671-5500
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dcf.state.vt.us/sites/dcf/files/pdf/fsd/WhatParentsNeedToKnowAboutSexualAbuse.pdf
Abstract: This publication helps parents understand what child sexual abuse is, who the victims are, who the abusers are, what the warning signs are, how they can help prevent it from happening to their children, and what to do if their child discloses sexual abuse. (Author abstract)

Title: Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: Protecting New York's Children: New York State Senate Majority Task Force on Children's Health and Safety Report.
Published: 2004
Available from: New York State Senate
http://www.senate.state.ny.us/
The Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224
Printable version (PDF): http://www.senate.state.ny.us/sws/childsafety/6_9_04_prevent_report.pdf
Abstract: Providing for the health and safety of New York's 4.7 million children is of vital importance to the Senate Majority. Unfortunately, innocent children are being harmed every day. As such, Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno created the Children's Health and Safety Task Force, appointing as co-chairs Senator Mary Lou Rath and Senator Nicholas Spano, to strengthen and build upon New York's child protection laws. The mission of the Task Force is to make New York State a healthier and safer place for our children. The Task Force was charged with the task of (1) examining the State's current child welfare system; (2) identifying threats that jeopardize a child's health and safety; and (3) recommending effective child welfare practices that address the complex and changing needs of our children and families. Public hearings were held in Albany, Rochester, Fredonia, Brooklyn and Old Westbury to solicit input from experts in the child welfare field. Preventing child abuse and neglect was the focus of the Task Force during the 2004 Legislative Session because it is in many cases, an antecedent to other social problems. This report cannot possibly discuss in a comprehensive manner the many factors that impact child abuse and neglect and so it focuses on those areas that were identified during the hearings as needing immediate attention. The research of this Task Force and input from professionals in the field has led to more than 50 recommendations to better protect children from maltreatment. (Author abstract)

Title: Lessons Learned: Serving Pregnant and Parenting Women in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.
Author(s): Ortega, Sandra.;Salmon, Karen.;Barry, Maryann.;Ampy, Leonard.
Published: 2002
Available from: Florida Department of Children and Families
http://www.myflorida.com/cf_web/
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Building 1, Room 202

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/mentalhealth/publications/lessons.pdf
Abstract: Lessons learned in serving pregnant and parenting women recovering from substance abuse are presented in this report through collaboration between the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida. The lessons learned are based on the experiences of Drug Free Families of Pinellas County, Safe Port of Monroe County and Women's Residential Addiction Program of Dade County. The Department of Children and Families and the Ounce of Prevention Fund collaborated on the three programs. The primary goal of these programs is to provide services for women in recovery with respect to strengthening and stabilizing families to prevent child abuse and neglect. (Author abstract)

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