CWDA CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE SUMMER WORKSHOP

Key Messages  Today is a starting point – the first step of the process  There will be many more opportunities to review and revise moving forward  Moving toward a practice model that integrates successful practices, Building on all the great work people are already doing across the state  Goal to create a plan moving forward for the development of a consistent statewide approach that allows for county flexibility  Step-by-step process for moving forward will be concrete and achievable with a realistic timeline.

Framework for the Workshop  Guiding Vision California’s 58 counties embrace one practice model that guides their individual Child Welfare Services programs by integrating successful practices into a framework that supports the achievement of safety, permanency and well-being for children and their families in the Child Welfare Services system.

Workshop Objectives  Participants work together to agree on or modify the elements of a California Practice Model that builds on the work of Katie A and CAPP  Participants work together to understand what is needed to implement a practice model in their own jurisdictions  Participants identify a plan for moving forward after the Workshop

Moving Forward After the Workshop  This Workshop is a first step that will result in plans to move forward that will help us realize our Guiding Vision  Goal and Objectives: Work together after the July 2013 Workshop to implement the California Practice Model in all counties Identify resources necessary to assist counties in implementing the Practice Model Identify funding to support statewide and county efforts Identify technical assistance that will support counties in their implementation efforts

Welcome  Kelly Woodard Director Madera County Department of Social Services CWDA Children’s Committee Co-Chair

Opening Remarks  How We Got Here and Why Diana Boyer, Senior Policy Analyst County Welfare Directors Association of California DeAnna Avey-Motikeit, Director San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services

Keynote Presentation  National Perspective on Practice Model Development  Anita Barbee, Professor Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, KY  Christine Tappan, Child Welfare Information Gateway

County Conversation Panel (Part 1)  Why we adopted a Practice Model Approach: Fresno: Joy Cronin, Wendy Osikafo San Diego: Debra Zanders-Willis, Los Angeles: Jonathan Byers Facilitator: Barrett Johnson, CalSWEC

Guiding Principles for Our Work  To provide a forum for all counties to discuss and work towards agreement on the fundamental pieces of a statewide Practice Model  Participants work together to agree on or modify the elements of a California Practice Model that builds on the work of Katie A and CAPP  The July Workshop is a first step that will result in plans to move forward that will help us realize our Guiding Vision

Webinar Recap Part 1  Melissa Connelly, CalSWEC Theoretical Framework Values and Principles

Theoretical Frameworks  Emphasize the logical connection between the practice model and the desired outcome (links them in a provable way)  Summarize the conceptual approach for the practice model and uses evidence to explain how the approach will address specific needs  Provide a rationale for making the investment in changing practice

For Example - The Colorado child welfare system, in partnership with families and communities, will protect children and youth by striving to achieve their safety, permanency, and well-being. This mission will be achieved by consistently and effectively:  engaging families;  collaborating with federal, state, local, and tribal entities;  practicing in a culturally responsive manner;  safely reducing out of home placement  providing individualized services that strengthen children, youth and families and remove barriers; and,  developing a competent, professional, responsive and accountable staff.

Values and Principles Values and principles work together to reflect the theoretical framework and form the path from theory to practice.  Values are an expression of an ideal or optimal state of being.  Principles share a more detailed operationalization of the value and give an idea of what the value would look like in practice.

For Example - From Minnesota --  Partnership: Families, communities, and the child welfare system are primary and essential partners in creating and supporting meaningful connections in a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth. From New Hampshire --  All children, youth and families deserve a life of well-being. We partner with families and the community to identify and provide services for the specific needs of individual children, youth and families.

Breakout Discussions: Theoretical Framework  Room Assignment: Colored Star on Name Badge and Room Sign:  Gardenia Room---Blue  Beavis Room---Green  Clark Room—Yellow  McGinnis Room—Red  Royal Room--Purple

Plenary Report Out  What Worked?  Anything Missing?  What Can Be Improved?  Suggested Framework Modifications?

Table Talk: Values and Principles  Table talk questions  Prioritization  Synthesis—Follow-up Work

Day 2: Welcome Back  Recap Day 1 Theoretical Framework ○ Reflections from Our Keynoters ○ Input from Participants Values and Principles—Next Steps Report from Support Partners

Webinar Recap, Part 2  Melissa Connelly, CalSWEC Casework Components and Practice Elements Practice Behaviors

Casework Components  Describe key casework functions that the practice model will address.  Link the model to specific casework tasks such as Engagement Assessment Service Planning Monitoring and Adapting Transition

Practice Elements  Begin to express details about HOW the model proposes to embody its values and enact its theoretical basis at the practice level.  Link the model’s values and principles to the core aspects of practice that are essential to the model’s success.

For Example - From Washington --  Family assessments are conducted with each family: A non-judgmental attitude, respect, active listening skills, cultural sensitivity and an awareness of power differences are demonstrated with the family. Child safety risk and protective factors and family issues are identified, discussed and prioritized with the family. Assessment begins with the first family contact, and continues throughout agency involvement with the family. Family member strengths and needs are assessed in a social/cultural systems context. Assessment information and observations are openly shared with the family.

Practice Behaviors  Add even greater detail to the practice elements.  Provide direction to practitioners about how they will practice social work using the practice model.  Are specific enough to be observable and recognizable to all parties involved.  Provide a basis for understanding of the expected practice so agency and community partners can create coordinated supports.  Provide a basis for evaluation of model fidelity and outcomes.

For Example - From Colorado --  Consistent and meaningful contact with children and families includes continuous assessment of all family members in regards to safety, risk, and the family service plan. From the Katie A. CPM --  Be diligent in reaching out to children and families in ways that are welcoming, appropriate and comfortable for them.

Breakout Discussions: Practice Elements and Components  Gardenia Room---Red  Beavis Room---Blue  Clark Room—Yellow  McGinnis Room—Green  Royal Room--Brown

Plenary Report Out: Practice Elements and Components  Additions  Deletions  Modifications

Breakout Discussions: Practice Behaviors  Gardenia Room---Red  Beavis Room---Blue  Clark Room—Yellow  McGinnis Room—Green  Royal Room--Brown

County Conversation Panel, Part 2  What is Needed for Implementation of a Practice Model: Fresno: Joy Cronin, Wendy Osikafo San Diego: Debra Zanders-Willis, Roseanne Myers Los Angeles: Phillip Browning, Jonathan Byers

Closing Remarks  How Far Down the Road Have We Gone?  What Are Our Next Steps?  Whom To Involve as We Move Forward?

Possible Path to Statewide Model

Why It Is Important to Be Intentional About Our Work