Child and Family Services Federal Review and Evaluation in Georgia
March, 2001

The Division of Family and Children Services has been notified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that Georgia will be among the first states to participate in a Child and Family Services Federal Review and Evaluation. The Review will begin with several states this March 2001 and conclude with the rest of the states by 2004. The Review will be conducted in two parts: a Statewide Assessment (beginning January 2001) and a subsequent On-Site Review (July 16-23). The focus of the review is on safety, permanency and well being of children and families.

We have built a team of various agency staff, university professionals, and external partners to be involved in the Review. It is our goal to have this be an objective and inclusive process so we want to involve our external partners in both the planning and evaluation functions. The Review will focus on seven outcomes divided among the areas of safety, permanency and child and family well being, in addition there are seven systemic factors.

The seven systemic factors are Statewide information system; Case review system; Quality assurance system; Staff training; Service array; Agency responsiveness to the community; and Foster and adoptive parent recruitment, licensing and retention. The systemic factors are related to the state's capacity to deliver services leading to improved outcomes for children and families. All seven areas are State Plan requirements. The review process focuses on whether these systems are in place and functioning as required by federal regulations and statutes. This is an opportunity for Georgia to examine and improve the services provided to children and families.

There are two subcommittees: Statewide Assessment Team and On-Site Team. If you have questions, please contact Annette VanDevere, Project Coordinator at ARV91@aol.com, 404/463-7291. For additional information, see www.childwelfarereview.com.