1 Provider “G” What the Heck is That?!

2 G-Force Process  Georgia has pioneered a performance management approach which shapes practice according to DHS goals and values and utilizes system data in charts and graphs to reveal practice patterns.  Once practice patterns are revealed staff is engaged in a facilitated open dialogue designed to yield hypotheses regarding possible root causes.

3 G-Force Process These hypotheses are then tested and practice patterns as evidenced by data are charted to determine whether the “right work the right way “can be discerned. This method is known as the G-Force process and is utilized at the state, regional and county level on a monthly basis.

4 G-Force Process By supporting and focusing this practice on effective permanency case work practice we will further improve outcomes for children and their families as reflected in the Child and Family Services Review as well as the Kenny A. consent decree indicators

5 G-Force Background The G-Force process has been instrumental in influencing significant improvements in outcomes, honing staff thinking and stimulating creativity. Commissioner B.J. Walker introduced the G process in the spring of She began by working with the nine counties in Georgia that represented 70% of the child welfare caseload (G-9).

6 G-Force Background At that time four issues were placing unprecedented pressures on Georgia’s child welfare system. Significant increase in Child Protective Services cases (investigations) causing increased strain on caseworkers and resources Investigations not completed on a timely basis

7 G-Force Background Over 40% annual turnover in staff High caseloads limiting the amount of time caseworkers could devote to families in need Between July ’03 and June ’04, the number of families being investigated for child abuse and neglect rose more than 40%. Today by using the G- process we are focusing resources to help families when they are first introduced to the system.

8 G-Force Background The number of families being investigated for child abuse and neglect has dropped 42%, the lowest it has been since In July of 2004, more than 4,000 investigations each month were exceeding 90 days to complete. Increased staff training and resources have resulted in the elimination of cases pending beyond 90 days.

9 G-Force Background In 2004, DHR experienced annualized turnover rates up to 42 %. Today, turnover has been reduced to about 29%, closer to the national average of 22%. In 2004, the average caseload per caseworkers was about 26. By 2008, average caseloads were down to 15.

10 G-Force Background As a result of reducing these pressures on the system Georgia has improved practice and turned the tide on key indicators. This means: –More help for at risk families who come to the attention of DFCS –Fewer children in foster care –More children living with relatives –Progress on federal measure

11 G-Force Background One of the practice initiatives introduced as a result of the G process is a differentiated response sometimes referred to as Diversion. The initiative involves informed and experienced case managers and their supervisors conducting the following activities: Reviewing the facts of the case reported –Identifying family needs –Assessing child safety –Referring families to resources and services when a full investigation does not seem warranted.

12 G-Force Background Since 2004 more than 33,000 families statewide have been referred to other services and programs. Only 11 % have been referred back for a full investigation and of those receiving a full investigation only 5% have been substantiated. As of July 2004, foster care (child placement) caseloads in Georgia have been declining for the first time in five years.

13 G-Force Process G-Force Question Use of Data to Describe, Explain, Hypothesize and/or Predict Examples of Data Usage Source of Data

14 G-Force Begins & Ends with a Question If G-Force is to be an environment for hypothesis testing and critical thinking, what will you do differently as a result of participating in this G-Force Meeting?

15 Use of Data Describe Trend Explain Hypothesize Test Research Findings

16 Example of descriptive & trend data: This chart shows the number of children in the legal custody of DFCS beginning in SFY 2007.

17 Example of a chart used to develop a hypothesis and test strategies to determine reasons for the increase in the number of children entering care in January 2007.

18 40%of January re-entries exited care October 1 through December % of those who re-entered in January 2007 had exited during that month.

19 This chart reflects the impact of hypothesis formulation and implementation of strategies developed at a G-Force meeting: the v-shaped pattern seen previously on this slide in January 2007 did not occur in January 2008.

20 How do we establish a practice that is effective in decreasing running behavior? How do we intervene effectively with children to prevent repeat running? Two Major Goals for G-Force

21 Last Placement Prior to Run-Away from 2004 to 2007

22 FRIENDSRUNAWAYS PLACEMENT TYPE More in Foster Care More in Residential Care X X LENGTH OF TIME AWAY Longer Less X X IMMEDIATE REASONS Time with friends/family-centered reasons Placement centered reasons/personal difficulties X X RUN AWAY ALONE OR WITH OTHERS More likely alone More likely with others 62% 53% DURING ABSENCE Stayed with Friends/Family Slept Rough Committed an Offense while Away 92% -- 27% 49% 30% 68% NATURE OF RETURN Voluntarily62%48% Source: Biehal & Wade, 2002: Characteristics of Children Missing from Care. Habitual runners are more at risk of increased detachment from caregivers and are more likely to participate in criminal activity.

23 Recommendations for Decreasing Running Behavior Provide as much normalization as possible for the child. Case managers can make preparations to optimize the ability of the child to build and maintain relationships with others. Ensure child is in program / therapy to build self-esteem. Ensure child is acquiring practical and financial skills and knowledge (ILP). Awareness of future sources of support and how to access them.

24 Source of Data used in G-Force Process SHINES (Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System Qualitative Reviews (PEAS & CFSR) Field Operation Review Guide AFCARS File (Adoption and Foster Care System) NCANDS (National Child Abuse & Neglect Data System National Child Welfare Databases & Research

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26 How will the Provider G be structured? The first Provider G will be held in October, 2010 at 2 Peachtree in the DHS Board Room There will be two Provider G’s – one for CPA’s and one for CPI’s We will be looking at Global Data of CPA’s and CCI’s however we will drill down on the data of the top 15 CPA Providers by census in the State and the top 20 CCI Providers. These providers represent over 50% of the children represented in CCI’s and CPA’s across the state These agencies will receive personal invites as there data will be represented at the Provider G’s, however the G will be open for all providers to attend if they like

27 Q & A