Mark Miller, Director of Training Maryam Fatemi; Regional Administrator Tedji Dessalegn Regional Administrator A Los Angeles “Regional Update” Fairness and Equity Symposium April 16, 2008 Promoting Child and Family Well Being Through Principles of Fairness and Equity (Can we really change the tires while the bus is going 80 m.p.h?) A Los Angeles “Regional Update” Fairness and Equity Symposium April 16, 2008 Promoting Child and Family Well Being Through Principles of Fairness and Equity (Can we really change the tires while the bus is going 80 m.p.h?)

2 88 Cities 10 million residents— Population exceeds that of 42 states One of the most diverse populations in the world Over half of the county residents speak a language other than English at home. 3% of the Nation’s population Home to 28% of California’s population Source: Public Policy Institute of California Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Los Angeles County Overview

3 Purpose and Objectives Provide a brief overview of program and practice changes to support outcome achievement ( Safety, Permanence and Well Being) What’s working, What’s challenging: The driving and restraining forces for change specifically related to Fairness and Equity Describe and discuss these strengths and challenges from the perspective of local line operations in addressing dis-proportionality and disparity Have fun, answer questions, learn, and get to the reception

4 Road Map For Change/Organizational Learning Brief Background/Overview: The Key – Change (Learning and Un- Learning) takes “TIME”! The “Steps” (Domains of Inquiry, Focus of Effort In Strengthening a “Culture of Support and Organizational Learning”) 1. Assessing/Evaluating Current “State” of Organization (discussion) 2. Targeting Outcomes and Establishing Benchmarks (discussion) 3. Identifying and Implementing Core Strategies/Best Practice Linked to F and E (discussion) 4. Targeting Caseload/Workload and Workforce Issues (discussion) 5. (Re) Invigorating Supervisory Base and Strengthening the Management Supervisory Connection (discussion) 6. Implementing Supports: Administrative, Training, Tools and Protocols, Goal Reinforcement etc. (discussion) 7. Monitoring Results and Providing Feedback (discussion)

The Key – Change (Learning and Un- Learning) takes “TIME”! Across “Time” – Aiming for Incremental Improvement (Sometimes “Best” is the enemy of “Better”) “Time” to assess/learn….then act (hopefully more strategically) Buying “Time” for un-learning and learning new practice Buying “Time” for collaboration, teaming and true engagement (macro/external, mezzo/internal and micro/case level) …………. And then seizing the moment/opportunity for change? 5

6 1. Assessing/Evaluating Current “State” of Organization (Now Past Tense) Organizational/Historical Factors Leadership/Management Transitions Sporadic Community, Judicial Partnership and Engagement Efforts Use of Some “Dated” Tools and Strategies Internal Issues: Response/Approach to Critical Incidents, Reliance on Out of Home Care Sporadic and un-sustained efforts to utilize data and outcome tracking tools Other: Limited but emerging focus on F and E issues and challenges Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

7 Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) DCFS Child Welfare Services Fact Sheet (Sept. 2003)

8 Data Source: Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) 4.Targeting Caseload/Workload and Workforce Issues Increased Staffing DCFS Workforce in 2003 & 2005

9 Lowered Caseloads Lowered CSW & SCSW Attrition Rates 2003 (baseline) staffed at 100% yardstick 2005 staffed at 117% yardstick 2008 Projection 120% staffed upon hiring completion Data Source: Staff yardstick information was determined by DCFS Negotiated MOU. Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) 4. Targeting Caseload/Workload Issues and Workforce Issues Reduced Caseloads and Outcome Achievement: Title IV E Waiver Environment

10 SCSW span of supervision In 2003: 8 to 1 In 2005: 6 to 1 Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) 4. Targeting Caseload/Workload Issues and Workforce Issues Reduced Caseloads

11 Data Source: DCFS Human Resource Division Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) 4. Targeting Caseload/Workload Issues and Workforce Issues Lowered Attrition Rates

12 2.Targeting Outcomes and Establishing Benchmarks A re-invigorated effort in redefining its goals and initiating strategies to address challenges which impact achievement of the federally sanctioned child welfare outcomes: Improved Safety (Reduced Detentions) Increased Permanency Improved Well Being Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

13 Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Specific DCFS Strategies 3.Identifying and Implementing Core Strategies/Best Practice Linked to Fairness and Equity SAFETY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP POINTS OF ENGAGEMENT (INFORMATION SHARING, TEAMING, ENGAGEMENT, ASSESSMENT, DECISION MAKING APPROACH AT KEY DECISION POINTS STRUCTURED DECISION-MAKING (SDM) TOOLS, PROCESSES AND SUPPPORTS MEDICAL/MENTAL HEALTH HUBS RAPID TDM EXPANSION MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ASSESSMENT TEAMS COMMUNITY AND ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE and ADDITIONAL EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES Discussion: Strengths and Challenges (A Regional Perspective)

14 3.Identifying and Implementing Core Strategies/Best Practice PERMANENCY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP CONSOLIDATED HOME STUDY, FAMILY FINDING EFFORTS (THROUGHOUT THE CONTINUUM OF SERVICE) OLDER YOUTH PERMANENCY, FAMILY FINDING AND PERMANENCY PARTNERS PROGAM CONCURRENT PLANNING REDESIGN AND TRAINING PERMANENCY UNITS RELATIONSHIP WITH COUNTY COUNSEL AND JUDICIAL PARTNERS Discussion: Strengths and Challenges (A Regional Perspective) Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Specific DCFS Strategies

15 3. Identifying and Implementing Core Strategies/Best Practice WELL BEING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP TEAM DECISION-MAKING (TDM) LINKAGES CO-LOCATED MENTAL HEALTH STAFF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH PARTNERS INCREASED EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP Discussion: Strengths and Challenges (A Regional Perspective) Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Specific DCFS Strategies

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17 Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) DCFS Children in Out-of-Home Placements Update: January 2008: 18,846

18 Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Fairness and Equity Issues Multiple Factors Multiple Solutions Partnering with (and tapping the knowledge, competence and commitment of) the community, Highlighting What “It” Looks Like When It Works Training, Coaching, Mentoring etc. Challenges and Next Steps Questions, Thoughts and Ideas

19 REVIEW AND DISCUSSION THE END THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!