CAPTA: Lessons Learned WV Birth to Three

Setting the Stage The Department of Health and Human Resources is the umbrella agency for: Bureau for Public Health WV Birth to Three Bureau for Children and Families Child Protective Services

CAPTA Legislation Child Protective Services and WV Birth to Three entered into discussions on how to implement CAPTA in West Virginia Key decisions: Child Protective Services will not implement screening option All children will be referred directly to WV Birth to Three Training of CPS personnel and WV Birth to Three personnel should occur regionally/locally in regards to referral process to WV Birth to Three

CAPTA Implementation - CPS Child Protective Services Utilized WV Birth to Three referral form to design “Referral to WV Birth to Three Program” form to insure key referral information is provided at referral The West Virginia CPS system provided training to CPS personnel on new policies and procedures

CAPTA Implementation- WVBTT One statewide training to local lead agencies (Regional Administrative Units) Regional training to field focusing on service coordinators Training to WV Birth to Three Trainers and Regional Technical Assistance Coordinators

Data Analysis- First Look Approximately 1000 children under the age of three were found to have substantiated abuse- FY 2002 As a result of CAPTA, WV Birth to Three has experienced significant increases in referrals with CPS as primary referral source 2001/ referrals with CPS as primary referral source referrals with CPS as primary referral source

Data Analysis – Second Look Even though WV Birth to Three has seen an increase in the numbers of referrals under CAPTA, only 25% of the families referred proceeded to IFSP Research sited on NECTAC – nationally only 13% of children with delays who are involved in child welfare receive early intervention Referrals are clustered in certain counties Highest referral rate- 33% of total referrals in that county to 0% of total referrals

CAPTA - Lessons Learned Families involved in Child Welfare are in crisis and it may be difficult for them to understand the purpose and possible benefit of early intervention services Child Protective Service workers have a high turn over rate resulting in on going training needs on CAPTA and linkages to community services and supports available to young children On- going training, communication and collaboration is essential to success

Regional Administrative Unit II Successful strategies: Met with local CPS coordinators to share information and identify barriers to collaboration Offered joint training to CPS/Foster Care Workers Shared data on numbers of referrals by county in the region

Children’s Justice Task Force Designed one hour training focusing on: Brain development Effects of early environment on development CAPTA legislation (child abuse and neglect, maternal substance abuse) McKinney- Vento Homeless Act Referral to WV Birth to Three What is Part C early intervention Suggestions for how we can work together

Current Strategies and Activities Local lead agencies continue to contact and provide regional and local training Child Protective Service/Foster Care Workers Encouraging local leads to offer training jointly with CPS and WV Birth to Three personnel to enhance the working relationships WV Birth to Three State office provided training to the local lead agencies on the revised CAPTA training Local lead agencies are so busy, having this tool will greatly assist in the training occurring

Current Strategies and Activities Collaborate with State CAPTA coordinator to move training content to Web CT course for CPS workers and early intervention providers CPS/Foster Care training is mostly provided on Web CT Web CT course can be used for new employees and as refresher course

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