state of delaware: the department of services for children, youth and their families delaware...
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State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
DELAWARE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT
‘Think of the Child First’
CWLA NATIONAL CONFERENCE – 2004
SIZE MATTERS: ACHIEVING OPTIMAL CASELOADS FOR CHILD WELFARE WORKERS
CARLYSE GIDDINS, DIRECTORDIVISION OF FAMILY SERVICES
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
WHERE WE WERE - MID-1990s!
• High Caseloads• Child Deaths• Independent Review Panels• Intense Public, Media and Legislative Scrutiny• Poor Staff Morale
‘Think of the Child First’
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
OUR JOURNEY…..
• Role of Community Advocacy Groups
• Union/Council 81’s Rally of Support
• Legislative Support
• Media Awareness
• Child Protection Accountability Commission
‘Think of the Child First’
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
OUR JOURNEY…..
• Senate Bill 142 – Caseload Standards • Investigation – 14 Families• Protective Treatment/Adoption – 18• Five Caseworkers Per Supervisor
‘Think of the Child First’
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
The Journey Continues…..
• Retention Initiatives • Hiring Process• Pre-interview Video• Training Core Curriculum – 125 hours• Coaching Supervisors and Coaching Units• Supervisory Competency Training• Career Ladder• New worker training pool – 15 staff
‘Think of the Child First’
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
DEPARTMENT TRANSFORMATION
• Vision – Think of the Child First• Mission – Leadership and Advocacy• Strategic Initiatives
• Child Focused System• Holistic Services• Inspired Workforce• Leading Edge Management• Dedicated Partnership
‘Think of the Child First’
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
WHERE WE ARE – 2004CHILD SAFETY IS # 1
PRIORITY!• Governor’s Executive Order # 7 – January 2001• Dramatically Reduced Turnover• Experienced Staff• Lower Caseloads• Improved Employee Morale• Increased Teamwork Across Functions• Improved Quality and Consistency of our Work • Child and Family Service Review Results
‘Think of the Child First’
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
Performance MeasuresFY 04 – First Half
Caseworker Turnover
‘Think of the Child First’
23%
16% 15%
6%
16%
38%
48%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
FY98 FY99 FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT….
• Partnered with Union Staff – Investigation Retention Committee
• Ongoing Support and Collaboration with Child Advocate Groups
‘Think of the Child First’
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
Assessment & Evaluation
• Child Protection Accountability Commission
• Senate Bill 142 Sub-committee• Workload Management Study
‘Think of the Child First’
State of Delaware:The Department ofServices for Children,Youth and Their Families
Thank You
Think of the Child First!
‘Think of the Child First’