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

conduct of the Comprehensive Child and Family Assessment (First Placement Best Placement) for children in care. All staff received
a thorough overview of critical assessment components including child and family, psychological, physical, educational and
adolescent components. Advanced skills training was offered to improve staff and provider skill in interpreting assessment data and
coordinating services responsive to identified needs.
The first round of QCRs were completed and the report was sent to the ACF Regional oversight personnel and is made a part of 5 th
Quarter Progress Report.
6 th Quarter Report: Staff and Provider Assessment Training
In February of 2004, the DHR Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program hosted the 7 th Annual Safe Families Symposia. The
seventh in a series of statewide training and technical assistance conferences, the Symposium provided an opportunity for 320 front
line workers, supervisors and community based services providers to expand their practice skills in the areas of assessment driven,
family centered practice. The Safe Families Symposium Series has been designed to improve the quality of community-based supports
and services and outcomes for children and families.
In direct response to CFSR Systemic Factor -- Item 35 Service Array, training offerings for the 2004 Symposium addressed the
assessment practice improvement recommendations of federal and state child welfare experts identified in Georgia's CFSR.
Evaluation: See Attached Session Evaluations
Assessment Workshop Offerings at the 2004 Symposium included:
• Child Abuse and Neglect, delivered by Sheila Lewis: This workshop examined the signs and symptoms of child abuse and
neglect and its implications for mandated reporting.
• Infant and Toddler Assessment, developed and delivered by Dr. Laura Johns, was designed to facilitate early identification
of developmental delays in young children.
• High Risk Indicators of Serious Child Injury or Child Deaths: Special Investigations Unit Trend Analysis, developed
and delivered by Darrell Green, Special Investigations Unit provided an in-depth analysis of documented trends in cases of
child deaths and serious injuries. Developed in conjunction with the State Office Child Fatality and Serious Injury Review
Team, this workshop focused on current CPS policy, investigative strategies and assessment tools to ensure the safety of
children residing in the home.
Safe Futures – A Plan for Program Improvement
Georgia Department of Human Resources
November, 2004 Quarter 8 – Work Plan Q Page 7