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State Resources - Results (15 Publications)

Title: Child Welfare Mental Health Screening Initiative Evaluation Progress Report.
Author(s): Clendenning, Daniel.;Lawson, Anthony H.;Quantz, Steven D.;Wright, Eric R.
Published: 2007
Available from: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
http://www.in.gov/fssa/
P.O. Box 7083
402 W. Washington Street

Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083
Printable version (PDF): http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/childscreeningreport100707.pdf
Abstract: The child welfare mental health screening initiative, sponsored by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, was developed to identify children with mental health needs who are referred to the child welfare system. The goal of this program is to provide better care to children in need of mental health services and reduce the number of failed placements. Multiple State agencies have been involved in planning and implementing this initiative. During the past year, the agencies have focused on implementing the program, including training county-level field staff on the screening tool, developing formal plans to make referrals for mental health consultations, and actually beginning the screening process. On January 1, 2005, all county agencies began screening all children referred to the State. As part of the project, Dr. Eric R. Wright, Director of The Center for Health Policy and Associate Professor, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, IUPUI and his research staff were asked to initiate an independent evaluation of both the planning and implementation of this initiative. This report is the ninth official evaluation report required under the continuation contract. This report provides an analysis of data for children in placement during the year preceding initiative implementation (benchmark), the six month pilot period, and the first full year and three quarters of implementation. (Author abstract)

Title: Improving the Quality of Services to Youth in Substitute Care: A Report on Surveyed Youth in Foster Care.
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/2007-03-01_YouthSurvey.pdf
Abstract: Since the passage of Senate Bill 6 in the 79th Legislative session, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has undertaken several activities designed to improve the overall preparation of youth in foster care for the experience of adult living. To determine the needs of youth in foster care, DFPS has utilized a variety of avenues for gathering feedback from youth who have experienced the foster care system. In fiscal year 2006, DFPS conducted two surveys of youth in Texas foster care. The first survey, mandated by Senate Bill 6, was the first of an annual survey of randomly selected youth. The focus of the survey was to measure the views of youth in foster care on the services provided to them in preparation for adult living. The second survey is an optional youth exit survey that has been an ongoing effort to obtain feedback from youth upon discharge from care. This report discusses the methodology and results of each study, summarizes the overall results, and describes the ongoing efforts toward program improvement undertaken by Child Protective Services in response. (Author abstract)

Title: Written Report of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect for Mandatory Reporters.
Published: 2007
Available from: Alabama Dept. of Human Resources
http://www.dhr.state.al.us/
Gordon Persons Building, Suite 2104
50 North Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
Document available online at: http://www.dhr.state.al.us/page.asp?pageid=946
Abstract: Includes instructions and form to be used in conjunction with reports made in person or over the telephone by mandated reporters in Alabama.

Title: Social Worker's Practice Guide to Education for Children and Youth in Foster Care.
Published: 2007
Available from: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/
DSHS Constituent Services
PO Box 45130
Olympia, WA 98504-5130
Printable version (PDF): http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/Publications/22-1185.pdf
Abstract: This guide is intended to be a resource for Children's Administration social workers to increase their collaboration with schools and to increase education stability and achievement for children and youth in out-of-home care. (Author abstract)

Title: Forms: Indian Child Welfare Act.
Published: 2007
Available from: North Dakota Department of Human Services
http://www.nd.gov/dhs/
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325

Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Document available online at: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/triballiaison/forms/
Abstract: These forms are helpful for social work professionals, tribal workers, attorneys, and others dealing with adoptions or placements involving American Indian children.

Title: Health Matters: A Study of the Comprehensive Health Evaluation for Children (CHEC) Program.
Published: 2007
Available from: New Jersey Office of the Child Advocate
http://www.state.nj.us/childadvocate/
240 West State St. 7th Floor
P.O. Box 92
Trenton, NJ
Printable version (PDF): http://www.state.nj.us/childadvocate/publications/PDFs/OCA%20CHEC%2007.pdf
Abstract: Children who must enter foster care often have more urgent and serious healthcare needs than other children. In 2004, New Jersey implemented the Comprehensive Health Evaluation for Children (CHEC) program to provide a thorough health evaluation to all children in out-of-home placement within 30 days of entering care. That comprehensive, 3-hour evaluation serves as the foundation for a plan of care that includes needed follow-up medical, dental and mental health treatment to improve the health of children under the state's care. The Office of the Child Advocate exhaustively examined state data and the cases of 80 children who received CHEC evaluations in spring 2006. The study found the program served less than one third of eligible children under the supervision of the Division of Youth and Family Services. Most children waited at least four months to receive the evaluations --four times longer than the nationally-recognized timeframe. And, most children fortunate enough to receive an evaluation never received any or all of the required follow-up treatment. Other key findings include: (1) In 2006, DYFS had a nearly 19 percent "no-show" rate, translating to about 460 missed appointments, with workers often failing to cancel appointments in advance, thus wasting valuable clinic time that could have been used for another child; (2) Nearly 42 percent of children received all follow-up care for CHEC mental health and dental recommendations, while the remainder either did not receive the care or Child Advocate researchers were unable to determine from the records whether treatment was provided; and (3) Only half of the children were up-to-date on their immunizations at the time of the CHEC evaluation. Recommendations are provided. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Fact Sheet on Foster Parent Liability Insurance.
Published: 2007
Available from: Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
http://oci.wi.gov/
125 South Webster Street
Madison, WI 53703-3474
Document available online at: http://oci.wi.gov/pub_list/pi-048.htm
Abstract: The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has prepared this fact sheet to answer questions which have been raised concerning liability insurance coverage for foster children.

Title: Initial Report on the Empowering Families of Milwaukee Home Visiting Program, July 2005 - December 2006.
Published: 2007
Available from: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/
1 West Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703
Printable version (PDF): http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/aboutDHFS/OPIB/policyresearch/EmpoweringFamiliesofMilwaukee.pdf
Abstract: Empowering Families of Milwaukee (EFM) is a comprehensive community-based home visiting program operated by the City of Milwaukee Health Department. The program is funded for five years by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS). The City of Milwaukee Health Department was selected to implement the home visiting program through a competitive Request for Proposal process in July of 2005. Aurora Family Services was selected as a partner agency for the initial 18-month contract period based on its experience in providing home visiting services. This report provides an overview of program planning and initial implementation in the first 18 months of the program (July 2005 through December 2006). (Author abstract)

Title: Family Team Decision-Making Meetings: Frequently Asked Questions by Social Workers.
Published: 2006
Available from: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/
DSHS Constituent Services
PO Box 45130
Olympia, WA 98504-5130
Printable version (PDF): http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/Publications/22-1171.pdf
Abstract: A list of frequently asked questions about family team decision-making.

Title: Continuous Permanency Planning Timeline.
Published: 2005
Available from: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/
201 East Washington Avenue, Second Floor
P.O. Box 8916

Madison, WI 53708-8916
Printable version (PDF): http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dcfs_info/infomemos/2005/2005-12attach.pdf
Abstract: This document is a work aid for county, tribal, contract, and state child welfare staff to standardize the concurrent case planning process, guide collateral communication, and coordinate permanency planning activities. The chart will help ensure timely legal determinations and referrals for permanency consultation leading to permanence for all children served by the Wisconsin child welfare system. This chart reflects good practice standards. (Author abstract)

Title: Aspirational Guidelines for Georgia's Juvenile Court Clerks for Deprivation Case Files.
Author(s): Neeley, Sarah.;Locker, Beth.;Hermann, Mary.;Barclay, Michelle.;Bramlett, Lori.
Published: 2005
Available from: Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts, Judicial Branch of Georgia
http://georgiacourts.org/
244 Washington Street, SW, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30334
Printable version (PDF): http://www.georgiacourts.org/agencies/CPP/CMS/files/Juvy%20Clerk%20Guidelines%281%29.pdf
Abstract: This document represents consensus of the participating juvenile court clerks as to appropriate content and organization of court files for each step of a child's case through the court system. Appendices follow the summation and contain the current Guidelines for Maintaining a Juvenile Court Docket for the Council of Juvenile Court Judges of Georgia, last revised in April 2001, (see Appendix A) as well as sample documents currently in use in specific counties. The latter were deemed exemplary samples of documents worthy of inclusion in any standard court case file. The report concludes with a Wish List compiled by the Clerks of Court to make each child's case proceed more smoothly through the juvenile court system. (Author abstract)

Title: Needs and Assets Assessment of the Comprehensive Health Evaluation for Children (CHEC) Program.
Published: 2005
Available from: New Jersey Office of the Child Advocate
http://www.state.nj.us/childadvocate/
240 West State St. 7th Floor
P.O. Box 92
Trenton, NJ
Printable version (PDF): http://www.state.nj.us/childadvocate/publications/PDFs/1CHEC_Report_12-15-05rr.pdf
Abstract: In August 2005, the OCA undertook this assessment of DHS' coordination of health care for children in out-of-home placement in New Jersey. The OCA selected a statistically relevant sample of children statewide who received a CHEC between January 1, 2005 and April 30, 2005 to assess the overall coordination of medical care for children in out-of-home placement, including diagnostic and follow-up care within the domains of physical health, developmental health, and behavioral/mental health. This report reflects the OCA's findings and evaluates the progress DHS has made in establishing a continuum of coordinated medical care for children in out-of-home placement. (Author abstract)

Title: Washington Children's Administration Consultation Regarding Tribal Licensing Issues: Tribal Foster Care Licensing Policy Analysis and State Models Review. Final Report.
Published: 2004
Available from: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/
DSHS Constituent Services
PO Box 45130
Olympia, WA 98504-5130
Printable version (PDF): http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/ca/tribalFCLicens.pdf
Abstract: In June of 2004 the Washington DSHS Children's Administration contracted with the National Indian Child Welfare Association to provide consultation on tribal licensing of foster homes. As part of that consultation, NICWA conducted a review of Washington law and policy in the context of existing federal Indian and general child welfare laws and policy. In addition, NICWA conducted a review of four other states' policy and procedures regarding tribal state relations in the area of foster care licensing. The review was conducted during the months of June through September, culminating in this report. In order to facilitate the collection of common data across a complex policy environment among diverse states, NICWA created a matrix of data elements that are of particular concern to DSHS. These data elements were derived from a series of meetings between NICWA, the Children's Administration, and the Attorney General's office. Data were gathered via telephone interviews with state and tribal child welfare administrators, recorded in narrative form, and then entered into the matrix. The gaps in the matrix were addressed in follow-up interviews where possible. Comparison states were chosen on the basis of their own emerging solutions to the same set of challenges faced by Washington. While every state is different in its approach, promising solutions often emerge from diverse responses to challenges. New Mexico was chosen because it has a IV-E demonstration waiver that includes tribal operation of IV-E and tribal licensing of foster and kinship homes. Minnesota was chosen because it has the longest history in recognition of tribal licensing. Oklahoma was chosen because it has many issues similar to Washington and arrived at a working solution that represents a working model. North Dakota was chosen for its long-standing use of tribal IV-E agreements and its simple system of recognizing tribal licensing. Each of these states provides examples of what might be done. At the same time as the comparison state data were being gathered, NICWA's legal consultant conducted a policy analysis of Washington law and policy. Findings of the state comparisons were compared with the Washington analysis to determine if any recommendation would emerge from the comparison. Recommendations were prepared and presented as part of this report. This report presents the Washington policy analysis first, including recommendations, followed by the matrix of findings from comparison states. The matrix is followed by interview notations. Finally, sample documents from comparison states are included in the appendix. (Author abstract)

Title: Child Protection Program Logic Models for Supervisors.
Published: 2002
Available from: Minnesota Department of Human Services
http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/
444 Lafayette Road North
St Paul, MN 55155
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/groups/county_access/documents/pub/dhs_id_009140.pdf
Abstract: One of the strategies in Minnesota's program improvement plan was to develop a guide for supervisors which focused on best practice in quality assurance. The Child Protection Program Logic Models for Supervisors were developed by department staff with an advisory group of county supervisors. The program logic models in this document present specific program overviews in the areas of Screening, Assessment, and Case Management. An agency could use these program logic models as: < A tool to provide new staff with an overview of each child protection program and demonstrate how these programs are integrated and designed to address core child protection decision points. < An approach to identifying and evaluating the effectiveness of both agency resources and external community resources. < A structure for identifying agency child protection outputs or products and creating a responsive quality assurance system that reinforces consistent and high quality service delivery. < A method of clarifying desired program outcomes and identifying data sources that serve as accurate outcome measures. < A guide for directed case consultation, with emphasis on best practice for quality assurance. (Author abstract modified)

Title: A Guide to New York's Child Protective Services System. 2001 Revised Edition.
Author(s): Silver, Sheldon.;Green, Roger.
Published: 2001
Available from: New York State Assembly
http://assembly.state.ny.us/
Assembly Public Information Department
Legislative Office Building
Room 202
Albany, NY 12248
Document available online at: http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/Children/20011016/
Printable version (PDF): http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/Children/20011016/index.pdf
Abstract: This handbook was written to serve as a guide through the complex structure of New York State's Child Protective Services System. In addition, this handbook is designed to expand awareness of child abuse and highlight the process that occurs when child abuse is reported. (Author abstract)

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