This presentation details changes that were made to child welfare practice in Georgia between 2004 and 2010 under the leadership of BJ Walker, former Commissioner
Nga Commissioners Presentation Making Government Deliver
1. S upervising V ision Making Government Deliver On It’s Promises B.J. Walker, Former Commissioner Georgia Department Human Services
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8. Investigations Pending over 90 Days Over the years the number of investigations pending over 90 days has dramatically decreased from over 3,700 to 0. Counts represent a point in time measurement for each June 8
9. Open Investigations During a Month Over the years the number of investigations pending has dropped by over 12,000 cases. 2010 data for May. Counts represent a point in time measurement for each June 9
10. Timely Completion of Investigations (2004 – 2010*) Note: Information for 2010 reflects investigations completed from July 1, 2009 through March 2010. 10
11. Rates of Substantiation The percent of investigations being substantiated has increased by 14% as our staff have become more skilled at determining which families require an investigation and which families benefit more from diversion/family support services. 2010 data are through March. 11
12. Family Support (Diversions): A Better and Safer Response Note: . 2010 reflects activity through March 2010. Began Family Support practice in July of 2004 12
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14. Georgia: 42% Reduction in Out-of-Home Care Note: data throughout slides from AFCARS (via NDACAN and Fostering Court Improvement) Source: Casey Family Programs *FY10 is through April 2010. 14
15. Safety has not been Compromised Source: Casey Family Programs Percent of Children Experiencing Repeat Maltreatment (within 6 months) Entries by First Entry and Re-entry 2010 data are through May 15
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17. Exits consistently exceed entries but have diminished Source: Casey Family Programs FY10 through March 2010 17
18. Foster Care Entries, Exits & Re-entry Rates (2004 – 2010*) Note: Information for 2010 reflects activity from July 2009 through March 2010. National Standard = 8.60% or less 18
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Editor's Notes
Talking Point: The attached value removed excuses. Constant monitoring ensured it a safe placement.
Talking Point: Significant reduction in GA since baseline, both in terms of the number of children in out of home care as well as the rate. Rate is half the national average and is among the lowest in the country.
Talking Point: On basic measures of safety, GA has been improving during the time of reduction. GA’s % of children experiencing repeat maltreatment has declined steadily over the years and is currently below both the national average and standard. Additionally, both the number and percent of children re-entering care has declined.
Talking Point: GA’s exits have consistently exceeded entries. Note the negative net difference between entries and exits as illustrated by the trend line. The gap between entries and exits has also grown over the years. GA also continues to exit a high percentage (~90%) of children to permanency. This has been fairly consistent over the years. Talking Point: Positive exits to permanency that are maintained are becoming harder.
Talking Point: This is a function of the large number of exits in the prior year and the result of a declining denominator.