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Filename DCF.pdf
Filesize 11 MB
Version 1
Date added November 5, 2015
Downloaded 15948 times
Category Better Government, Regulations and Permitting, White Papers

Date: November 2015

Authors: Matthew Blackbourn and Gregory Sullivan

This report dissects other studies and their recommendations, with additional suggestions for a direction forward for DCF in the context of a broader discussion of the agency’s recent history and issues with mission ambiguity. The first and most important recommendation is to overhaul the current two-tiered child intake system, which should be the central focus of any changes at the agency. The report proposes several options to consider moving forward with the agency’s practice model, including strengthening criteria for track assignment, modifications to the 45-day comprehensive assessment period, and requiring that Child Protective Services (CPS) review cases with families that refuse voluntary services on the assessment track. As DCF reforms its practice model to better protect children, the agency should also focus on revamping its technological infrastructure to provide its workers the tools they need. The report provides examples of states that have implemented innovative systems to improve their agencies’ operations and discuss future federal regulatory reforms that will change the way state foster care agencies manage their information systems.