Idaho CAPTA Lessons Learned Infant Toddler Program And Children and Family Services

2004 Decision  Policy to complete evaluation on all CFS referrals due to the severity of risk exposure of all substantiated cases Debate over efficient use of time vs. the need to evaluate Timing of evaluation to meet 45 day timeline during period of recent exposure to trauma, separation and adjustment to foster family

Initial 2004 Implementation  Learning the differences in requirements  Participating in first Children and Family Service Review (CFSR)  Writing Standard—Protocol for Referrals  Developing Training Materials  Regional Training jointly delivered by ITP and CFS for both staff groups  Presentations at Foster Parent Conferences and incorporating information in PRIDE training

Data Review  Comparing CFS and ITP reports total number of children birth to three (CFS) total referrals from CFS (ITP)  Regional analysis of referral set  Data System modification for more accurate collection and analysis (ITP) Substantiated referrals Other CFS referrals Comparison/analysis across regions

Challenges  Philosophical differences and expectations Voluntary program Mandatory participation  Process for garnering parent consent for children removed from home of biological family  Perception that requirement for parental consent is keeping chidlren from services  Locating and engaging an increasing number of families who lack stability, tracking placements  Program growth without accompanying resources

2007 Decision  Revised policy allowing screening of CFS referrals when no developmental concern identified At discretion of professional Changing practice options  adding screening to protocol for intake process  developmental specialist screens, prepared to proceed with full evaluation as needed

Progress  Data for CFSR Well-being indicators for evaluations looked great for all birth to three ; monitored in quarterly CFS CQI process  Improved coordination CFS join ITP MDT meetings or conduct joint staffing at weekly or at least monthly intervals ITP staff included in Family Group Decision Making process

Progress, continued  ITP staff being trained for CFS CQI review process  DD and ITP topics are included in CFS Academy for new child welfare employees  Regional ITP offered bi-lingual parenting classes with accountability for participation in court plans  Focus on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health including required Social and Emotional screening for all CFS referrals

Upcoming Work Needed  Review and input re: referral protocol/standard  Tune-up training re: CFS/ITP referral protocol  Strengthen training about child development and social emotional development for foster parents

Upcoming Work Needed  Training for ITP staff re: safety response when home-visiting  Training for ITP staff re: testifying in court  Study success of joint enterprise; evaluate outcomes of changed developmental trajectory for this subgroup; evaluate exit data  Develop child development consultation for children who are not determined eligible