Updates on Child Removal and Reunification Procedures
Stay informed about the recent developments in child removal and reunification procedures presented by Wes Duke, CHFS General Counsel, and Lesa Dennis, DCBS Commissioner. Discover the implementation of safety and risk assessment tools, along with key recommendations and progress updates. Stay up-to-date with the Department for Community Based Services' efforts to enhance decision-making processes and protect children effectively.
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Presentation Transcript
Legislative Oversight And Investigations Committee: Child Removal and Reunification Updates Presented by: Wes Duke, CHFS General Counsel Lesa Dennis, DCBS Commissioner 1
Safety and Risk Assessment Tools Evidenced based tools that support decision making Safety Tool Implemented October 2022 Risk Tool Implemented October 2022 2
Recommendation 2.1 The Department for Community Based Services should implement a process and schedule for evaluating all Structured Decision Making tools. Each evaluation should assess the tool's accuracy, its ability to provide data-driven explanation for agency decisions, and its impact on the agency s ability to protect children. Updates: Two (2) Data-informed management reports. Management report one (1) was completed in May 2024. Management report two (2) is expected in May 2026. Risk Validation Study. The expected completion date is May 2026. 3
Recommendation 2.2 The Department for Community Based Services should review all instances where a supervisor overrode Structured Decision Making tool recommendations. The review should identify necessary changes to improve the agency s transparency in decision-making, including collecting additional facts about cases or modifying TWIST to enable more detailed analyses. Updates: Case reviews completed. Working with TWIST and Evident Change to: Add common reasons for alternative case decisions after consultation. Modify language to clarify decision-making processes. 4
Recommendation 2.2 (cont.) Common reasons for an alternative case decision: Concurrent investigations, case decision made under another intake ID. Active ongoing case. No maltreatment present, dependency indicated. Court Influence. Risk level high due to static factors. 5
Recommendation 2.3 The Department for Community Based Services should provide the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee a written update on its progress toward its evaluation of the Structured Decision Making tools by October 2025. Updates: Written update in October 2025. Provide additional updates as requested by the Committee. 6
Recommendation 3.1 The Department for Community Based Services should implement systemic tracking of the completion status of permanency plans throughout an out-of- home care case. These data should be collected and analyzed in aggregate and across years to inform policy, program development, and service delivery improvements aimed at achieving permanency for children. The department should work with the Administrative Office of the Courts to ensure how it tracks such data is compatible with the CourtNet data system. Updates: Discussion between the Department and the Administrative Office of the courts include feasibility, costs, and resource needs for system modifications and interface development. 7
