Social Science Assignment 2 and 3

Child Protection Screening Quality Improvement Components

Program Theory If: < Child protection screening staff gather comprehensive, relevant and accurate information from reporters < Child protection staff consistently record this information in CJAMS < Screening decision makers have full access to this information < Screening decisions are made consistent with statutory guidelines, local screening criteria related SDM protocols Then: < Cases of alleged maltreatment identified in the community will be appropriately assigned for either traditional assessment, Alternative Response assessment or a voluntary child welfare response.

Key Decision Points < Does the agency accept the report for assessment? If so, what level of response is indicated? < What reports should be assigned for traditional assessment versus Alternative Response? < What reports not accepted for child protection assessment should be referred for voluntary child welfare services or receive no agency response?

Case Record Review < Monitor timeliness of recording and transferring accepted reports from screeners to assessment workers. < Review individual intake records for quality and compliance purposes. < Ensure that cross reporting to law enforcement occurs consistently. < Review a percentage of referrals accepted for assessment for quality of decision making and documentation. < Review a percentage of referrals not accepted for assessment for quality of decision making and documentation. < Review agency decisions to respond to reports, not accepted for a maltreatment assessment, with a child welfare response when indicated. < Ensure that American Indian children are identified promptly. < Ensure that mandated reporters receive agency letters explaining why a child maltreatment report was not accepted for investigation.

SSIS Reports < Intake Log < Detailed Intake Statistics – by program

area < Intake allegations – by CP track < Current/Prior CP Activity

Traditional Child Maltreatment Assessments INPUT ACTIVITIES OUTPUTS OUTCOMES

Agency Resources

< Number and quality of agency CP assessment staff

< Availability and quality of supervisory staff

< Staff training < Capacity for culturally

competent response < Statutory guidance:

< MD Statutes Sec. 07.02.07.04.

< MD Title 07. Department of Human Services

< SDM tools: safety and risk assessments

< Overall county children’s services array

Agency Partners

< Baltimore City law enforcement < Baltimore City attorney < Baltimore City child protection

team < Community collateral contacts -

schools, medical and other service providers

< Emergency child care providers < Other child protection agencies,

state and national < Tribal social services

Consultation < All accepted reports and contents with assigned

assessment worker < Families were treated respectfully and their

strengths and needs fully explored < CP decisions:

< Emergency removal of child from home < Discharge of child from shelter facility < Emergency court petitions < Maltreatment determinations < CP service determination

< Available community based services < Basic needs resources (food, clothing and

shelter) < Support services for domestic violence,

CD, MH

Key Questions

< Were client family strengths, service delivery challenges and best practices identified and discussed?

< What changes are necessary to promote child safety, reduce the risk of child maltreatment, and increase family stability?

< Did the agency’s assessment adequately address the original maltreatment concerns, which were the basis for accepting the report?

< Were community based services offered to assist in promoting child safety?

< What was the role of law enforcement during the child maltreatment assessment? Was there evidence of cooperation and teaming between the agency social worker and law enforcement?

CFSR Performance Indicators Item 1 Initiation of investigation of

reports of child maltreatment is consistent with state policy.

Item 2 Children do not experience repeated maltreatment.

Item 3 Services are provided to protect child/ren in home and prevent removal.

Item 4 Risk of harm is managed through appropriate interventions.

Other Performance Indicators < Immediate safety needs of children

are addressed by the agency’s response

< Families are treated respectfully and engagement is consistent with best interest of child

< Ongoing need for CP services is determined after completion of a risk assessment and consultation

Safety S1 Children are first and foremost

protected from abuse and neglect

S2 Children are safely maintained in their homes whenever possible