1. (a) CFSR schedule.
(1) Children and Family Services Division Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Unit produces an annual schedule that projects the date for a Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) at each site in the state.
(2) CFSRs occur quarterly within each Field Operations Division (FOD) area, allowing each site to participate in a review at least once a year. The FOD area director may request an adjustment in the schedule when there is an exceptional circumstance. Efforts are made to honor such requests without compromising the commitment to review all sites yearly.
(A) Each CFSR includes a stratified random sample of approximately six children in each of the three to four participating counties.
(i) County staff is notified of each child identified for inclusion in a CFSR at least one month prior to the CFSR.
(ii) The area director designee contacts the person responsible for the child (PRFC) for each child and discusses the opportunity to participate in the CFSR.
(B) At least one CQI staff member is assigned to each area to:
(i) assist in planning for quality improvement;
(ii) facilitate staff and stakeholder participation; and
(iii) approximately one month before the CFSR, train designated area staff and stakeholders in CFSR interview, record review, and standard application procedures.
(C) Each CQI site leader visits with the participating county director or designee at the initiation of the CFSR to:
(i) explain procedures;
(ii) confirm arrangements; and
(iii) schedule an exit conference.
(b) CFSR outcomes.
(1) Outcome performance is assessed on-site through:
(A) review of CW case records; and
(B) observations and interviews with:
(i) school-age children;
(ii) parents or PRFCs;
(iii) CW staff;
(iv) placement providers; and
(v) other persons with a significant role in a child’s life.
(2) CQI staff collaborate with each team member daily during the CFSR to ensure that findings are considered in a manner consistent with performance criteria for each outcome and systemic factor.
(A) Findings are generated for each child indicating whether each outcome is:
(i) substantially achieved;
(ii) partially achieved;
(iii) not achieved; or
(iv) not applicable.
(B) Findings for systemic factors are aggregated to achieve findings of:
(i) strength;
(ii) adequate; or
(iii) area needing improvement.
(3) The team shares findings for a site with the participating county director during an exit conference at the conclusion of the county review.
(4) CQI staff aggregates findings for all counties in the CFSR. Findings are based on protocols established for CFSRs by the Administration on Children and Families (ACF).
(5) Written findings for the CFSR:
(A) describe performance related to each outcome and systemic factor; and
(B) are shared during the exit interview with the area director or designee. Areas of strength are recognized and commended.
(6) FOD is advised of and addresses significant or ongoing departures from service quality expectations.
(7) The CQI unit produces a report quarterly summarizing the:
(A) performance of each area and the state regarding each outcome and systemic factor;
(B) strengths and areas in which progress is realized; and
(C) issues requiring continuing attention.
(c) CFSR systemic factors. Performance of systemic factors is assessed through individual and group interviews of internal and external stakeholders.
(1) County staff arranges interviews with stakeholders.
(2) CQI staff and the respective county director:
(A) facilitate the systemic review; and
(B) compile a report on the results of the systemic review. The report is submitted to FOD and CFSD programs staff.