California Department of Social Services

1. California Department of Social Services Program Improvement Plan 2009

2. Background • 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.

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

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

5. Results from 2008 CFSR

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

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

10. 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)

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

12. 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

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

14. 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.

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