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Child Welfare Reviews Project
Fact Sheet
The Child Welfare Reviews Project provides support to the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in administering the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs). The project's responsibilities include:
- Designing and Implementing an Automated Review System
The project designed the CFSR Data Management System, an automated review system that allows review teams to collect child welfare data more efficiently and to compile comprehensive and accurate review results. The automated review instruments now allow reviewers to enter information about case record reviews, case-related interviews, and stakeholder interviews into tablet PC computers. Review results are automatically tallied, ensuring efficient use of reviewer time and allowing review teams to provide States with real-time access to preliminary findings from the reviews.
- Recruiting consultants for the CFSRs
The project recruits experienced child welfare professionals as consultants to supplement the Federal team during the onsite component of the CFSRs. For more information about serving as a consultant reviewer, visit the Consultant Recruitment page on the Children's Bureau Web site (see below).
- Designing and conducting trainings for consultant reviewers, Consultant Co-Local Site Leaders, and cross-State participants
The project designs and conducts trainings to prepare consultant reviewers, Consultant Co-Local Site Leaders, and the State Team for participation in the CFSRs. The project also trains State child welfare agency staff to participate in reviews in other States to prepare them for their own State's CFSR. The latter are known as "cross-State participants."
- Developing materials relating to the CFSRs
The project assists the Children's Bureau in developing and revising the instruments used to conduct the reviews, the Child and Family Services Reviews Procedures Manual, and related materials, tools, and applications as needed. The project also send a periodic e-mail update, Child and Family Services Reviews Update, to individuals involved with and interested in the reviews.
- Supporting the Children's Bureau in planning and facilitating the reviews
The project assists the Children's Bureau in identifying qualified consultant reviewers, facilitating pre- and post-review conference calls, disseminating review information, and managing the logistical arrangements for the reviews.
- Assisting the Children's Bureau Central and Regional Offices in tracking the status and outcomes of the reviews
The project tracks and reports on the status of the CFSRs, including producing reports on the key findings of the reviews and monitoring progress of the State Program Improvement Plans (PIPs).
- Maintaining the Child Welfare Monitoring section of the Children's Bureau Web site
The project updates information on the Children's Bureau Web site (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwmonitoring/index.htm#cfsr) relating to the CFSRs, including consultant recruitment information, training materials, and reports on the key findings of the reviews. The Child and Family Services Reviews Procedures Manual and review instruments also are available on the Children's Bureau Web site.
- Archiving State reports and related materials
The project maintains an archive of State reports relating to the CFSRs, including Final Reports of the reviews, State PIPs, and PIP quarterly reports. The projects also collects and archives articles, hearing testimony, and reports relating to the reviews.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Child Welfare Monitoring section of the Children's Bureau Web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwmonitoring/index.htm#cfsr, or contact the Child Welfare Reviews Project.