An outcomes framework for Child Youth and Family Pathfinder Workshop 5 17 April 2002

The selection of specific objectives and related outcome indicators is not a neutral technical exercise, but reflects fundamental views about the objectives of child welfare (Fallon and Trocme, 1998)

New Directions Follow-on from Mick Brown report 3 key goals –to become a joined-up agency that is outcomes-focused, strengths-based and client-centred –build allicances with communities –take a regional approach to the delivery of services 8 projects which have outcomes-related thinking included within them

The Children Young Persons and their Families Act 1989 To advance the well-being of families and the well-being of children and young people as members of families, whanau, hapu, iwi and family groups

Key principles that families and whanau should participate in decisions regarding their CYP, and that their views should be taken into account that the relationship between a CYP and their family/whanau should be maintained and strengthened that decisions should take into account the welfare of the CYP and the stability of their family/whanau

CYF overview Information to promote public awareness of and prevent child abuse and neglect Statutory care and protection and youth justice services to children, young people and their families The development and funding of community services Adoption services

Activity Overview 26,000 notifications of abuse and neglect 22,000 investigations provide (post-Court and post-FGC) social work services to more than 6,000 C&P and 1,200 YJ clients work with more than 900 community service providers

International research Research literature from 1970s, drawing on a range of disciplines Associated with change in social work practice

Complexity Long-term vs short-term outcomes Tensions between: –supporting families and ensuring child safety –child protection and emotional well- being –supporting families and ensuring community safety –restorative justice vs accountability for offending

“The greatest challenge in developing an outcomes framework in child welfare is finding a framework that integrates and balances the principles of child protection, child well-being and child and family support” (Trocme, MacLaurin and Fallon, 1998)

Outcome domains Wellbeing Safety Family Functioning Cultural and Spiritual identity Permanence and stability Client satisfaction

International comparisons Canada - Federal Client Outcomes in Child Welfare Project –Child safety –Child Functioning –Permanence and continuity of care –Family and Community support

International comparisons Britain - (Farmer, 1997) –Child Protection –Child physical, emotional and intellectual development –Family functioning

International comparisons Kansas State Government –Protection (safety) –Permanency –Child well-being –Client satisfaction

International comparisons US - American Humane Association –Safety –Permanence –Improvements in functioning and well-being

Child, Youth and Family Youth Justice Strategy Goal Reduce the Rate and Severity of Child and Youth Re-offending

Reduce the Rate and Severity of Child and Youth Re-offending (low risk) Child and youth offenders are held accountable for their offending Victims are satisfied that a restorative justice process has occurred Child and youth offenders do not progress to the more formal part of the youth justice system Families/whanau are able to deal with offending by their own children and young people

Success Criteria (low risk) Child and youth offenders do not re-offend Plans reflects the level of offending, and tasks are completed in a timely manner Victims express their satisfaction with the process Families/whanau are able to identify how they will manage their children and young people

Performance Measures Plans clearly identify sanctions for offending No referrals are received by Child, Youth and Family for a youth justice FGC Families/whanau are advised of the supports that are available to assist them Regular surveys of victims are carried out

Reduce the Rate and Severity of Child and Youth Re-offending (med risk) Child and youth offenders are held accountable for their offending Victims are satisfied that a restorative justice process has occurred Child and youth offenders do not appear in the Youth Court Families/whanau are able to deal with offending by their own children and young people

Success Criteria (med risk) The rate and severity of re-offending ceases or is reduced Plans reflect the level of offending, and tasks are completed in a timely manner Plan content reflects rehabilitation aspects as required Victims express their satisfaction with the process Families/whanau are able to identify how they will manage their children and young people

Performance Measures (med risk) Plans clearly identify sanctions for offending Referral for other FGCs are for offences of a less serious nature or repeat offending is less regular No referrals for a Court Directed FGC are received by Child, Youth and Family Families/whanau are advised of the supports that are available to assist them Regular surveys of victims are carried out