Safe Futures A Plan for Program Improvement - Department of ...

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
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.
BARRIERS TO ACHIEVEMENT:
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Safe Futures – A Plan for Program Improvement
Georgia Department of Human Resources
March, 2004 Quarter 5 – Work Plan Q Page 10