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

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1st Quarter Report This benchmark was partially achieved. In examining the methodology for collection of this data, the
procedures for calculation of this data was correct. The findings in the onsite review differed from the calculations of the data due to
incomplete data fields in the data files. Further examination revealed the case managers were not reporting a change in the AFCARS
data with each move of the child. To alleviate this problem a validation has been placed in the database to force the case manager to
input the date of placement in the current foster care setting each time a change is made in any AFCARS field. A second check and
balance to this item is the change in the data collection to include the name of the foster home/institutional placement as well as the
names of the children in the home. A report generated from these two items will provide a history of placements from this time
forward. Another step in evaluating the data involves how Georgia's placement changes are calculated for the AFCARS submission in
comparison with other states. This comparison indicated variation in the ways the child's placement moves are calculated as well as
diversity in the child welfare population in AFCARS. Since placement stability in foster care is such an important factor, Georgia will
continue to be aware of any concerns or directives on data comparability issues in conjunction with meeting the national standard.
2 nd Quarter Report - A change in the completion was approved. No report due for this quarter.
3rd Quarter Report: Achieved. The methodology was examined and the data discrepancy was resolved. See 1 st quarter report.
BARRIERS TO ACHIEVEMENT:
C3 ACTION STEPS: Monitoring the data on the county level on a quarterly basis will occur beginning with information for the
period January to March 2003. Additionally, beginning July 2003, some type of comparison from the financial
reporting of per diem payments to that of AFCARS will be made to assure all moves are reported.
5 th Quarter: Per Annual Evaluation/Renegotiation Report, the State requested to collapse this action step into
Action Step C5.
START
DATE
COMPLETION
DATE
RESPONSIBLE
PERSON(S)
MEASURABLE
BENCHMARKS
March 2003 June 2004 Four Foster Care Consultants Discuss Quarterly Progress with each Field Areas based on
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Safe Futures – A Plan for Program Improvement
Georgia Department of Human Resources
March, 2004 Quarter 5 - Work Plan C Page 2