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Section IV – Systemic Factors

A. Statewide Information System

Item 24: Statewide Information System. Is the State operating a statewide information system that, at a minimum, can readily identify the status, demographic characteristics, location, and goals for the placement of every child who is (or within the immediately preceding 12 months, has been) in foster care?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements regarding this item
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from Program Improvement Plan (PIP) implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available
The system's tracking capacity (program or case management areas/information, and the status, demographics, current location, and permanency goals for children in foster care)
The State's reporting capacity, including the types of reports generated, who within the agency uses the reports and for what purposes, and the accuracy and currency of the reports
State approaches to using the data (for example, for planning and management purposes)
The accessibility of the system to staff and to private-sector organizations providing services, including the extent to which information is available and readily retrievable in all areas of the State
The mechanism for linking this systemic factor with the State's efforts to conduct continuous quality assurance, including processes that monitor for data accuracy
The extent to which the information is complete, accurate, and current and includes the locations of all children in care, including those in relative care, unlicensed placements, voluntary placements, and unpaid placements
Variations in the capacity of the State's information system to track groups of children in out-of-home care, including those served by title IV-E agreements with other agencies
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

B. Case Review System

Item 25: Written Case Plan. Does the State provide a process that ensures that each child has a written case plan, to be developed jointly with the child, when appropriate, and the child's parent(s), that includes the required provisions?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item for both foster care and in-home cases, including timeframes for developing and updating case plans and requirements for the participation of parents and children
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about the engagement of parents and age-appropriate children in case plan development
The system for measuring and monitoring compliance with case plan requirements (for example, that every child has a current case plan that was developed within the timeframes required)
Methods and supports for engaging both parents and age-appropriate children in case planning, including efforts to involve noncustodial parents, such as through family team meetings or by offering flexible meeting times
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 26: Periodic Reviews. Does the State provide a process for the periodic review of the status of each child, no less frequently than once every 6 months, either by a court or by administrative review?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item, including (1) the timing, content, and methods for reviews (court, external body, and agency administrative reviews), and (2) reviews for children served by the juvenile justice and mental health systems who are subject to this requirement
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about the timeliness and quality of reviews
The procedure(s) for supporting the participation of both birth and foster families, age-appropriate children, relative caregivers, and foster and pre-adoptive parents in these reviews, for example, support services, preparation, encouragement to attend, and timing
The system for tracking and monitoring case review outcomes, for example, monitoring the provision of recommended services to a child or family
The provisions for reviewing the recommendations and results of the periodic review and making adjustments to the case plan or direction of the case
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 27: Permanency Hearings. Does the State provide a process that ensures that each child in foster care under the supervision of the State has a permanency hearing in a qualified court or administrative body no later than 12 months from the date that the child entered foster care and no less frequently than every 12 months thereafter?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item, including hearings for children served by juvenile justice and mental health agencies who are subject to this requirement
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about the timeliness and quality of hearings
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 28: Termination of Parental Rights. Does the State provide a process for Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item, including (1) State policies for filing for TPR for children who have been in foster care 15 of the past 22 months and in other circumstances required by ASFA and where no adoptive placement has been identified and (2) review of the cases of children served by the juvenile justice and mental health systems who are subject to this requirement
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about the timeliness of filing for TPR
Factors that are affecting the State's performance on permanency data profile element X, Permanency Composite 2, Component B, measures b(1) and b(2), and possible data quality issues

How the agency identifies children who have been in foster care for 15 of the past 22 months
Common circumstances under which the State makes exceptions to filing for TPR
How exceptions are reviewed, documented, and made available to the courts
The impact of the courts and legal system on successes or challenges related to the TPR process
Factors regarding TPR in the State, such as the timeliness of TPR decisions, TPR appeals, the State's use of compelling reasons not to pursue TPR, changes in TPR procedures or approach, and the TPR appellate process
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 29: Notice of Hearings and Reviews to Caregivers. Does the State provide a process for foster parents, pre-adoptive parents, and relative caregivers of children in foster care to be notified of, and have an opportunity to be heard in, any review or hearing held with respect to the child?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item for 6-month reviews and for 12-month permanency hearings, including the responsibility for and system of notification
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about the timeliness and consistency of notification
The involvement of foster parents, pre-adoptive parents, and relative caregivers in hearings
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

C. Quality Assurance System

Item 30: Standards Ensuring Quality Services. Has the State developed and implemented standards to ensure that children in foster care are provided quality services that protect the safety and health of the children?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about standards
The system for measuring differences in the quality of care and/or outcomes of children served by the agency following the implementation of the standards (and the improvements achieved, as applicable)
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 31: Quality Assurance System. Is the State operating an identifiable quality assurance system that is in place in the jurisdictions where the services included in the Child and Family Services Plan (CFSP) are provided, evaluates the quality of services, identifies the strengths and needs of the service delivery system, provides relevant reports, and evaluates program improvement measures implemented?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements regarding this item
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
The State's approach to conducting quality assurance activities, for example, the structure, location, number, and type of cases reviewed; the process for reviewing cases; the frequency of the reviews; and who conducts the reviews
The capacity of the quality assurance system to comprehensively assess outcomes and systemic factors across the continuum of child welfare services
The involvement of service providers, parents, youth, foster parents, group care providers, relatives, tribes, courts, and/or other stakeholders in the quality assurance process
How information from quality assurance activities is used at all levels of the agency (for example, caseworkers, local supervisors, managers and/or administrators, and the State office) and outside the agency (for example, courts, or tribes)
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

D. Staff and Provider Training

Item 32: Initial Staff Training. Is the State operating a staff development and training program that supports the goals and objectives in the CFSP, addresses services provided under titles IV-B and IV-E, and provides initial training for all staff who deliver these services?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item, such as the level, type, duration, timeframe, amount, and intensity of training required, and whether training is completed before cases are assigned
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about (1) initial staff training, (2) the content and quality of the training, and (3) how training is reflected in job performance
The State's capacity to track that staff are meeting State training requirements and to identify those who need training
Whether the State requires or provides initial training for private agency staff, where the State contracts out full case management
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county, including local or regional differences in training requirements or implementation
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 33: Ongoing Staff Training. Does the State provide for ongoing training for staff that addresses the skills and knowledge base needed to carry out their duties with regard to the services included in the CFSP?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item, such as the level, type, duration, and intensity of training required
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about (1) training all staff, including supervisors and managers, (2) the content, amount, and quality of the training, and (3) how training is reflected in job performance
The State's capacity to track that staff are meeting State training requirements and to identify those who need training
Whether the State requires or provides ongoing training for private agency staff, where the State contracts out full case management
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county, including local or regional differences in training requirements or implementation
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 34: Foster and Adoptive Parent Training. Does the State provide training for current or prospective foster parents, adoptive parents, and staff of State-licensed or State-approved facilities that care for children receiving foster care or adoption assistance under title IV-E? Does the training address the skills and knowledge base that they need to carry out their duties with regard to foster and adopted children?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item with regard to (1) both pre-service and ongoing training, and (2) requirements regarding licensing of, and placement of children in, foster or adoptive homes before or after training foster or adoptive parents, including training requirements for foster parents, relative caregivers, adoptive parents, and facility staff
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about (1) training all caregivers, (2) the quality of the training, and (3) how training affects the caregivers' performance
The State's capacity to track that foster and adoptive parents are meeting State training requirements, to identify those who need training, and to document how training needs are identified
Training requirements, needs, and opportunities for staff of child care facilities
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county, including local or regional differences in training requirements or implementation
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

E. Service Array and Resource Development

Item 35: Array of Services. Does the State have in place an array of services that assess the strengths and needs of children and families, that determine other service needs, that address the needs of families in addition to individual children to create a safe home environment, that enable children to remain safely with their parents when reasonable, and that help children in foster and adoptive placements achieve permanency?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding the service array, including services provided by private contractors
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about having a sufficient and effective service array in place
The effectiveness of the State's services regarding (1) placing and maintaining children in safe environments, (2) enabling children to remain home safely when reasonable, (3) helping children in foster care and adoptive homes achieve timely permanency, (4) supporting adoptive families after placement and finalization, and (5) helping youth to prepare for independent living
How the State evaluates services and determines service needs
How the State addresses service gaps and the effectiveness of such practices
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 36: Service Accessibility. Are the services in item 35 accessible to families and children in all political jurisdictions covered in the State’s CFSP?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item and on any differences in service availability and accessibility in different areas of the State
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State’s functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about service accessibility
The reasons for variations in service accessibility and availability throughout the State
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 37: Individualizing Services. Can the services in item 35 be individualized to meet the unique needs of children and families served by the agency?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item and the procedures for tailoring services to meet the unique, individualized needs of children and families
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about individualizing services
The effects of service availability or accessibility on major population groups in the State, for example, the Native American population, other ethnic or racial groups, youth served by the agency, language groups, or children in rural and/or urban areas
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

F. Agency Responsiveness to the Community

Item 38: State Engagement in Consultation With Stakeholders. In implementing the provisions of the CFSP, does the State engage in ongoing consultation with tribal representatives, consumers, service providers, foster care providers, the juvenile court, and other public and private child- and family-serving agencies, and include the major concerns of these representatives in the goals and objectives of the CFSP?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item, and procedures for ongoing consultation with external partners linked to the State plan submissions and other agency planning
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
A description of the stakeholders engaged in consultation with the State
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results or other supporting information, if available, about how (1) actively engaged external partners have been and how their input has been used, and (2) quality assurance results or other supporting information have been shared with external partners, if applicable and available
How key stakeholders have contributed to the planning efforts, or barriers to collaborating effectively with them, including youth, tribes, caregivers, birth parents, and courts, whose involvement is critical to effective planning
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 39: Agency Annual Reports Pursuant to the CFSP. Does the agency develop, in consultation with these representatives, annual reports of progress and services delivered pursuant to the CFSP?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Brief description of the process used in consulting with representatives, and an assessment of its effectiveness
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available
The ongoing involvement of stakeholders in evaluating and reporting on progress toward agency goals, and how the agency uses the input of key stakeholders, including courts and tribes, in planning and setting agency goals
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 40: Coordination of CFSP Services With Other Federal Programs. Are the State's services under the CFSP coordinated with the services or benefits of other Federal or federally assisted programs serving the same population?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other information about the coordination of the CFSP services
Coordination with key Federal programs, such as the State's title IV-D (child support and Federal Parent Locator Service) and IV-B programs, Court Improvement Program, Medicaid, child abuse prevention and early intervention programs, mental health programs, substance abuse programs, tribal programs, or juvenile justice systems
Whether agreements are in place with other public or private agencies or contractors, such as juvenile justice or managed care agencies, to perform title IV-E or IV-B functions, and whether services provided under the agreements or contracts are monitored for compliance with State plan requirements
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

G. Foster and Adoptive Home Licensing, Approval, and Recruitment

Item 41: Standards for Foster Homes and Institutions. Has the State implemented standards for foster family homes and child care institutions that are reasonably in accord with recommended national standards?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item, including key features of licensing or approval requirements for foster and adoptive homes and institutions
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about standards for foster family homes and child care institutions
The length of time that the licensing standards for foster homes, adoptive homes, and facilities have been in effect and the processes for reviewing and updating them, as needed
The timeframe for the completion of foster home and adoptive home studies, including whether the same study is used for both foster and adoptive placements
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 42: Standards Applied Equally. Are the standards applied to all licensed or approved foster family homes or child care institutions receiving title IV-E or IV-B funds?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item, including (1) whether the State issues different types of licenses (such as initial, provisional, or probationary licenses) and (2) whether the State uses different standards for licensing/approving resources
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
State procedures to ensure that Federal funds are claimed only for homes that meet the full standard, if applicable
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including (1) quality assurance results, if available (2) title IV-E review findings, and (3) results of monitoring of foster homes and child care facilities to ensure their compliance with the State's standards
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 43: Requirements for Criminal Background Checks. Does the State comply with Federal requirements for criminal background clearances related to licensing or approving foster care and adoptive placements, and does the State have in place a case planning process that includes provisions for addressing the safety of foster care and adoptive placements for children?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item, including any exclusions or exceptions to the State's requirements
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
State procedures to ensure that Federal funds are claimed only for homes that meet the Federal criminal background check requirements
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including (1) quality assurance results, if available, (2) title IV-E review findings, or (3) other available information
Whether criminal background checks have been conducted for all approved/licensed foster and adoptive families and staff of child care facilities
The timeliness of completion of the checks in relation to when a child is placed in a home
How the State addresses any negative results of background checks, including exemption and/or appeals processes, if applicable, and circumstances in which a child already has been placed in the home or the home already has been licensed
How the State addresses safety considerations for children when the agency has opted not to conduct criminal background checks of child care institution staff and foster and adoptive families
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 44: Diligent Recruitment of Foster and Adoptive Homes. Does the State have in place a process for ensuring the diligent recruitment of potential foster and adoptive families that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of children for whom foster and adoptive homes are needed in the State?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements (plan) and monitoring system regarding this item, including diligent recruitment efforts such as (1) developing specific recruitment strategies for all parts of the community and diverse methods of disseminating general and child-specific information, and (2) following procedures for ensuring the timely placement of children, for example, the use of exchanges or other interagency efforts
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about recruiting and retaining foster and adoptive families (through major recruitment efforts and other methods for locating families) to ensure a pool of foster and adoptive families that is ethnically and racially diverse
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

Item 45: State Use of Cross-Jurisdictional Resources for Permanent Placements. Does the State have in place a process for the effective use of cross-jurisdictional resources to facilitate timely adoptive or permanent placements for waiting children?

Address the relevant exploratory issues below in discussing this item:

Brief description of/update on the State's policy requirements and monitoring system regarding this item
How the policy requirements described above are reflected in practice
Changes in performance and practice regarding this item since the previous Statewide Assessment; these might include (1) changes resulting from PIP implementation and/or other initiatives or strategies implemented by the State and (2) patterns or trends in, or statewide or local contributing factors affecting, those changes
Measures of effectiveness that demonstrate the State's functioning for this item, including quality assurance results, if available, and other data about the agency's effectiveness in recruiting and using homes in other jurisdictions for waiting children
The State's effectiveness in working within the Interstate Compact on Placement of Children and other agreements between the State and other jurisdictions for the placement of children
Influences or issues specific to a particular region or county
Key collaborators with the agency on this item, where applicable
Strengths that the State has demonstrated in addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency
Promising approaches in this area
Barriers that the State faces with regard to successfully addressing or implementing this item, including factors external to the agency

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