Child welfare accountability: evaluating quality assurance processes in Maryland.
Authors
Advisor
Date
Embargo until
Language
Book title
Publisher
Peer Reviewed
Type
Annual Report
Research Area
Jurisdiction
Other Titles
Research in Support of Child Welfare Policy & Programs
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Abstract
Executive Summary: The Child Welfare Accountability Act of 2006 increased legislative oversight of the Maryland Quality Assurance processes in child welfare. The Act also provides a framework for the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to partner with the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMB/SSW) to develop the Maryland Quality Assurance (QA) Collaborative. The purpose of the Collaborative is to evaluate quality assurance processes and make recommendations for improvement. As required by 5-1309(B), this annual report presents 1) an evaluation of existing quality assurance policies and practices and 2) recommendations on how to improve quality assurance processes in child welfare. A separate companion report, "Child Welfare Accountability: Annual Report on Maryland Performance Indicators," describes Maryland's performance on performance indicators outlined by the Child Welfare Accountability Act. This report was compiled by faculty and staff at the University of Maryland School of Social Work's Ruth H. Young Center for Families & Children in partnership with staff at the Department of Human Resources, Social Service Administration. Drs. Diane DePanfilis and Sarah Kaye Faraldi managed the Child Welfare Accountability project and writing of this report. Anna Hayward and Gillian Gregory participated in the design and implementation of the Quality Assurance process evaluation and led the redesign of the supervisory review instrument. Cathy Mol, Carnitra White, and David Ayer guided the activities of the Quality Assurance Collaborative. The Quality Assurance team of the Social Services Administration includes Gloria Valentine, Shirley Brown, Jospehine Lambert, Dee Ritterpusch, Elizabeth Mitchell Stemley, and Jewel Wilson.