an overview georgia program improvement plan - Department of ...

Red Flags and Rainbows, delivered by Dr. Wendy Hanevold, licensed clinical psychologist focused on skill development in the
areas of family dynamic observation, identification of underlying family issues and appropriate interventions.
Adolescent Assessment developed and delivered by Millicent Houston of Georgia's Independent Living Program enhanced
understanding of the process for the evaluation of youth and the assessment tools used in the development of comprehensive case
plan. Particular emphasis was placed in accurate identification of adolescent strengths and weaknesses in developing appropriate
support and service plans.
Mandated Reporting delivered by Andy Kogerma, Training Manager for the Georgia Academy for the Georgia Academy for
Children and Youth Professionals provided an extensive overview of the types of child abuse and neglect, the signs and symptoms of
maltreatment and what family support service providers, as mandated reporters should do if abuse is suspected.
2 nd Quarter Federal Response: HAVE YOU ACHIEVED THIS TASK? IF NOT, WHAT IS LEFT TO DO AND WHEN WILL IT BE DONE?
3 rd Quarter Report: The goal is not achieved. Requesting a change in completion date to allow for reporting of the qualitative case
reviews and implementation of the new training curriculum. The qualitative case reviews are scheduled to begin in October 2003 and
the first report to state and federal partners is scheduled for January 2004 and each quarter thereafter.
3 rd Quarter Federal Response: 3 rd . Qtr progress?
4 th Quarter Report: Evaluation and Reporting Section: The Qualitative Case Review Instrument has been developed. The E&R
social services reviewers began using the instrument in October 2003. The priority is to pull placement cases and review the life of the
case, including the CPS record. E&R will interview case specific people and work closely with the Consultation & Support Unit as
they are completing the stakeholder interviews. All information will be entered into a database. Evaluation and Reporting expects to
complete 20-25 Quality Case Reviews by the end of this year. The goal for 2004 is to review approximately 135 QCR and in 2005, to
review approximately 150 QCR's. Total of approximately 285 for a 2 year (2004-2005) cycle. These numbers are assuming staff will
not be pulled off the schedule for any special type reviews.
Professional Development: Late July 2003 the contractor delivered a draft of a partially completed competency based core
curriculum for child welfare professionals. Since the contract has ended, state office staff have: (1) analyzed the draft curriculum; (2)
identified missing competencies and state specific policies and procedures; (3) refined subordinate skills; and (4) finalized a work plan
to complete the curriculum. Additional training material is being developed to address safety and risk assessment as well as underlying
family needs that create safety concerns. January 31, 2004 is the target date for final revisions and pilot.
4 th Quarter Federal Response: What is the status of staff training? It appears that completion of this action step is also contingent
upon the completion of the QCR
5 th Quarter Report: The 1 st through 4 th Quarter reports do not reflect the full range of assessment training offered to departmental
staff. 2900 CPS and Placement staff received training August through February of 2003 on the procedures and guidelines for the
Safe Futures – A Plan for Program Improvement
Georgia Department of Human Resources
November, 2004 Quarter 8 – Work Plan Q Page 6