Obstacles and Barriers preventing Child Welfare from Reaching Our New Vision Normer Adams Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children January 16, 2009

“We want to do good, but we can not do good.” Obstacles and Barriers preventing Child Welfare from Reaching Our New Vision “We want to do good, but we can not do good.”

“Tyranny of being Blind” Lack of Meaningful Data Privacy prohibitions Few longitudinal studies. Gut instinct is more important than research The anecdotal is more sexy than the university study Little consensus around data

“Leave Me Alone to Do Good” Lack of Clear Outcomes System failure to clearly define what we want to do. Resistance of being measured. Distrust of those who do measure. Safety numbers in regard to Home and Community Based Services.

“Don’t Confuse me with the Facts” Failure to Act on Data DARE – the embarrassment of ineffectiveness Parole more effective than Boot Camps Therapeutic Foster Care as effective as Congregate Care Child Welfare System involvement more detrimental to families and children

“We are the Champions” Kingdom building prevents Collaboration Department of Education is not at any table. “We are too big for you.” “I want to your sandbox but you can not play with me.” In child welfare you have juvenile justice, child welfare, early education, education, mental health and even the faith community.

“I do not want to play with you.” Key Players not Collaborating Related to the previous slide. System of Care Model is threatened by key players not collaborating.

“Who is the Boss?” No Central Authority No one has the power (or chooses to use it) to make all the players collaborate. No central authority to demand outcomes. Fragmentation serves a purpose for those who remain fragmented. Ie-power, prestige, money, glory, etc. Drains Resources

“Ask me no questions, I tell you no lies “Ask me no questions, I tell you no lies.” Policy and Budget not Linked Read my lips not my budget Act like you are doing the work, even though you do not have the resources to do it.

“All Politics are Local” Stakeholder Community not built” Grass roots constituency not built. Learn from the Education lobby Our clients have no voice.

“I do not have time for this.” Lack of Will Centralized Authority Stakeholder “buy in” Powerless client base Disenfranchised

In Conclusion Our Contribution to barriers. Status Quo Boards “Push Back” Vision