1270 Evaluation and Monitoring of CPS Cases
CPS October 2012
The evaluation and monitoring of CPS cases includes gathering and analyzing data collected at the federal, state, and regional levels.
By evaluating and monitoring CPS cases, DFPS ensures that CPS:
• complies with federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; and
• meets the DFPS objectives for child protection.
The evaluation and monitoring of CPS cases also provides CPS regional and state office staff with information used for planning and other purposes. The information is compiled using the IMPACT case management system. CPS managers may obtain reports on the IMPACT data using the Management Reporting System (MRS).
1271 Federal Monitoring of CPS Cases
CPS October 2012
Federal monitoring of CPS cases ensures that DFPS complies with the federal regulations and guidelines required under:
• the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (PL 96-272); and
• titles IV-B, IV-E; and XIX of the Social Security Act.
See:
1272 Federal Eligibility Reviews of Title IV-E Foster Care
1273 Federal Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR)
1272 Federal Eligibility Reviews of Title IV-E Foster Care
CPS October 2012
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) conducts eligibility reviews of the DFPS Title IV-E Foster Care Program. The reviews are conducted at least every three years, depending on the level of compliance DFPS attained during previous reviews.
AFC reviews the claims that DFPS submits for reimbursement of the foster care maintenance payments the department makes on behalf of a child. AFC determines the validity and accuracy of the claims, based on whether the child is eligible for the payments according to Title IV-E eligibility requirements.
The review is conducted by teams composed of both federal and DFPS staff.
The teams examine cases to determine whether federal eligibility requirements have been met; for example, determining whether DFPS has obtained the following:
• A court order confirming the need to remove the child from the home
• A court order confirming that DFPS has made reasonable efforts to preserve the family, when it is safe to do so, and to finalize a permanency plan
• A court order authorizing the child’s removal from the home
• The results of criminal background checks on prospective foster and adoptive parents
• Confirmation that the child was placed with a licensed foster care provider
• Confirmation of compliance with safety requirements, for children placed in child care institutions
• Confirmation of the child’s eligibility, as determined by a needs-based test
• Official responsibility for placement and care of the child, awarded to DFPS by a court
1273 Federal Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR)
CPS October 2012
The CFSR is a review of child welfare systems conducted nationwide by states and the federal government.
The review is conducted:
• to determine whether children and families are receiving quality services through the child welfare system; and
• to help states make any necessary improvements.
The federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF) oversees the CFSR process.
During the first phase of the review, DFPS conducts a statewide assessment in collaboration with the ACF and the department’s external partners or stakeholders.
During the second phase of the review, a team of federal and DFPS representatives conducts an onsite review at the regional DFPS office that includes:
• reviewing case records;
• interviewing CPS staff; and
• interviewing stakeholders.
Information from both the statewide assessment and the onsite review is used:
• to determine the extent to which DFPS is conforming with federal requirements for child protective services, foster care, adoption, and family preservation and support services; and
• to highlight specific areas that need improvement.
If the CSFR indicates that DFPS is out of conformity with federal requirements, DFPS is required to develop a Program Improvement Plan to address the areas identified as needing improvement.
States participate in subsequent reviews at intervals related to their level of compliance with the federal requirements.