1. California Department of Social Services Program Improvement Plan 2009 1

2. The Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) is implemented by the Children's Bureau of Administration for Children & Families (ACF) within the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Reviews help states improve Child Welfare Services (CWS) programs and outcomes for families & children; they also identify states’ strengths & needs. Background 2

3. In 2002, California’s had it’s 1 st CFSR & is currently undergoing a 2 nd CFSR. The review process includes: 1.A statewide assessment (December 2007) 2.Onsite review of 65 cases (February 2008 in Fresno, L.A. and Santa Clara Counties) 3.Stakeholder interviews (state & county level) 4.State Data Profile Based on findings from these 4 items, states must develop a Program Improvement Plan (PIP) to address areas of concern. 3

4. Findings The State did not achieve substantial conformity for safety, permanency, and well- being outcomes The State did achieve substantial conformity for three of the seven systemic factors 4

5. Results from 2008 CFSR Safety & Permanency Outcomes Substantial Conformity Safety Outcome 1: Children are first and foremost, protected from abuse and neglect NO Safety Outcome 2: Children are safely maintained in their homes when possible and appropriate NO Permanency Outcome 1: Children have permanency and stability in their living situations NO Permanency Outcome 2: The continuity of family relationships and connections is preserved NO 5

6. Child & Family Well-Being Outcomes Substantial Conformity Well Being Outcome 1: Families have enhanced capacity to provide for children’s needs NO Well Being Outcome 2: Children receive services to meet their educational needs NO Well Being Outcome 3: Children receive services to meet their physical and mental health needs NO 6

7. Systemic Factors Substantial Conformity Statewide Information System (to identify status, location & goals for children in FC) YES Case Review System (completion of periodic reviews, timely permanency hearings) NO Quality Assurance System (developed standards to ensure safety & health of children) YES Training (staff development & training for caseworkers, parents, caregivers) NO Service Array (services in place to assess strengths & needs of families, and accessibility of services) NO Agency Responsiveness to Community (engagement w/ community stakeholders, provision of reports & coordination w/ federal programs) YES Foster and Adoptive Parent Licensing, Recruitment, and Retention (equally applied standards for foster homes, and diligent efforts to recruit foster families) NO 7

8. Action Plan Six broad strategies were developed to cover multiple areas of concern and improve outcomes for children & families. Guided by evidence-based practices Focused on building & maintaining momentum of successful initiatives and programs currently being utilized CDSS and CFSR Steering Committee collaborated with child welfare stakeholders statewide to develop these strategies 8

9. Strategies Strategy I. Expand use of participatory case planning strategies. Action Steps  Update curricula/advance training; include topics on father engagement  Incorporate family engagement into Linkages Project  Expand utilization of Permanency Protocols  Examine fiscal implications  Training/TA for courts on tribal engagement 9

10. Strategy II. Sustain and enhance permanency efforts across the life of the case. Action Steps  Protocols on finding families  Legislative proposal on trial home visits  Modify PQCR to assess concurrent planning  Caregiver Advisory Group  Publish EBP re: post-permanency services  Court training on reunification  Resource Family Approval Pilot (AB340)  Residentially Based Services Reform Project (AB1453) 10

11. Strategy III. Enhance and expand caregiver recruitment, retention, training, and support efforts. Action Steps  Publish/training on evidence-based practices  Campaign for caregiver recruiting & retention  Caregiver Advisory Group  MTFC program outcomes, rate structure & oversight  Test "Better Together”  Communication network for caregiver advocates 11

12. Strategy IV. Expand options and create flexibility for services and supports to meet the needs of children and families. Action Steps  CalWORKS/Child Welfare collaboration  OCAP 3-yr plan into Outcomes & Accountability  Expand Wraparound (SB163 and MHSA)  SIT (mental health, substance abuse, education)  Explore expansion of Differential Response  Federal TA/substance abuse and child welfare 12

13. Strategy V. Sustain and expand staff and supervisor training. Action Steps  Probation training on child welfare  Implement SW training regulations  Concurrent planning training  Distance learning for courts/probation/CW staff on domestic violence and mental health 13

14. Strategy VI. Strengthen Implementation of the Statewide Safety Assessment System. Action Steps  Timeliness to investigation  Strengthen implementation of safety, risks, strengths and needs assessment. 14

15. PIP Submission PIP submitted to ACF Region IX September 2008; second draft submitted April 2009 Anticipate PIP 1 st quarter implementation July 2009 Additional information available at www.childsworld.ca.gov/cfsweb/PG1520.htm 15