Child Protection Transformation Overview October 18, 2012

2 What is the Child Protection Transformation Project? A collaboration between the Department of Children and Families, Community Based Care and local public - private partnerships to create a world class social services delivery system to Florida’s children. 2

3 What are we trying to solve? Compliance based practice model Non-integrated system of work 37% Child Protection Investigator (CPI) turnover 55% Re-investigations Lack of data integration and access to other sources Inefficient tools and processes 3

4 Child Protection Transformation Project Technology Professionalization Florida Safety Decision Making Methodology Compliance 4 Communication

5 Florida Safety Decision Making Methodology Need identified by Barahona Case Findings and Recommendations:  “Re-engineer child protective investigations processes, including recruitment, training, technology empowerment, collaboration with CBCs, law enforcement, schools, the medical community and other professions relied upon to ensure the integrity of the investigative function.” Introduces a common methodology for how we interact with families, team with experts and make critical decisions from initial removal to reunification. Incorporates safety information standards and constructs into all current processes: –Hotline -Investigations –Ongoing Case Management Integration of two national best practice models supported by:  ACTION for Child Protection  The Children’s Research Center 5

6 Current State Decision Tree Risk Low Risk Moderate Risk High Risk No Services Prevention Diversion “Family Support” Prevention Diversion “Family Support” In-Home Non- Judicial In-Home Non- Judicial In-Home Judicial In-Home Judicial Out of Home Placement Subjective Decision Making No Definitions for Risk Levels Lack of Decision Supports Maltreatment Driven Decisions

7 Florida Safety Decision Making Methodology 7 Safety Management Safety Management Safe Unsafe No Services Prevention Diversion “Family Support” Prevention Diversion “Family Support” In-Home Non- Judicial In-Home Non- Judicial In-Home Judicial In-Home Judicial Out of Home Placement In Home Safety Plan Out of Home Safety Plan Consistent Decision Making Efficient Decision Supports Decisions Based on Present and Impending Danger Teaming Model Consistent Decision Making Efficient Decision Supports Decisions Based on Present and Impending Danger Teaming Model Safe Home Safety Decision Protective Actions

8 ‘As- Is’ CPI Time Allocation 8

9 Current State Process Overlaps 9 Statutory Criteria for CA/N, Response Priority, Searching/Linking, Background Screening Searching/Linking, Background Screening, Safety Assessment, Assess Service Needs, Refer for Services Family Assessment, Case Plan, Refer for Services, Case Evaluation Hotline Investigations Case Management Process Overlap

10 Future State Minimize Process Overlap Statutory Criteria for CA/N, Response Priority, Searching/Linking, Background Screening Information Collection, Safety Determination, Family Functioning Assessment Protective Capacity Assessment, Case Plan, Refer for Services, Case Evaluation Hotline Investigations Case Management

11 Florida Safety Decision Making Methodology Investigative Process Intake Assess Present Danger Assess Present Danger Safety Determination Information Collection Assess Impending Danger Family Functioning Assessment Disposition Assess Risk Factors

12 Safety Decision Making Threats of Danger (Out of Control, Immediate, Observable, Severe Consequences) +/- Vulnerable Child (Lacks ability to self protect) +/- Parent Protective Capacities (Vigilance, preparation and power to protect) = Safe or Unsafe

13 Safety Planning The main objective is to control threats, when there is a vulnerable child and the parents lack protective capacities to keep children safe. Safety Plans include factors for Present and Impending Dangers.

14 Florida Safety Decision Making Methodology Decision Supports Methodology Initial Removal Ongoing Case Opening Service Identificatio n PlanEvaluation Ongoing Assessment Reunificatio n Current Child Safety Assessment Investigation Family Assessment Case Plan Case Plan Evaluation Updated Family Assessment Reunification Assessment Home Study Florida Safety Decision Making Methodology Present Danger Child Safety Assessment Family Functioning Assessment Protective Capacity Family Assessment Case Plan Family Case Plan Evaluation Continuing Safety Evaluation Protective Capacity Evaluation within Case Plan Evaluation Risk Assessment

15 Florida Safety Decision Making Methodology Business Process Efficiencies Revised documentation protocols Streamlined and timely Child Protective Investigative Supervisor and case consultation Timely investigative closure Increase coaching support Focus on household of the allegation FSFN system enhancements 15 Decrease re- investigations! Increase time with families!

16 Vision for Child Protection Investigations Current PracticeTransformed Practice Limited information in reports received from Hotline. CPI Investigators respond to all Hotline reports High variation in business processes Supervisory reviews are primarily reviews of paperwork; minimal substantive values reported “Allegations and “findings” are focus of work Each investigation has same requirements, not always appropriate to situation and child/family needs. Complete, well-organized packet of information from hotline including more information about child and parent risk factors. Alternative Methods for Responding to Situations that do not meet investigation criteria (Differentiated Response at Hotline) Standardized statewide processes for CPI’s Supervisory reviews are face-to-face discussions about investigation dynamics at all phases Concentrate more on assessing family dynamics and underlying conditions, circumstances surrounding the maltreatment us just the incident of abuse/neglect. Right investigation work gets done for each case based on child/family situation/needs

17 (Cont.) Vision for Child Protection Investigations Current PracticeTransformed Practice Completing forms and routine requirements drive activities. (FSFN) System drives practice CPIs engage in many activities that do not require their expertise. Random technology support in field Engaging families, other experts, in risk assessment and planning safety interventions will drive activities. Practice needs will drive FSFN functionality Administrative tasks are reduced and/or off-loaded to others. All CPI’s have standardized, basic equipment package.