Performance Management

The Performance Management Initiative calls for implementing an integrated structure that identifies key measures of program performance and establishes individual and program accountability for successful outcomes for clients.  DFPS needs to implement cultural shift throughout the agency that focuses on accountability for quality casework and outcomes, rather than on crisis management.

Key Components of Reform

• Implement agency wide employee performance measures to improve quality assurance and enhance employee performance.
• Develop and implement an automated tracking and reporting system that enables supervisors and managers to track key data on initial client contacts and ensures that policy is being followed.

Accomplishments

• APS and Center for Policy Innovation implemented performance management programs and are continuously improving reporting processes, and management-approved performance plans are available to staff.
• Performance plans for CPS caseworkers and supervisors in all stages of care are finalized and being loaded into the internal computer system.
• CPS State Office and regional management reviewed and approved the CPS performance measurement training overview.
• Agency staff revised and completed performance measures for Statewide Intake workers and supervisors.
• Legal and DFPS performance management staff completed a pilot to collect performance information from regional attorneys.
• Prevention and Early Intervention and Purchased Client Services staff developed performance measures for procurement and residential contracts, and a core set of measures for contract managers.

Ongoing and Future Work

• "Train The Trainer" session for CPS State Office, Regional Director Assistants, and Program Improvement Specialists is scheduled for October 26, 2006.
• Remaining program areas will develop and finalize performance measures and plans for remaining position descriptions, complete program-wide training, and implement a measurement and accountability system for managing staff and program performance.