Quality Assurance Processes in Maryland Child Welfare. 4th Annual Child Welfare Accountability Report

Abstract

Executive Summary: The Child Welfare Accountability Act of 2006 (Maryland Family Law, Section 1301-1311 inclusive) specified the development and implemntation of a proces to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of child welfare services in Maryland that addresses the safety, permanency and well-being of children in the care and custody [of] the Maryland Department of Human Resources/the Local Departments of Social Services. The Quality Assurance Process in Maryland Child Welfare does this through the evaluation of quality assurance and system implementation processes in Maryland's child welfare system. The state of Maryland made great strides in 2010 towards achieving the development of an integrated, comprehensive Quality Assurance system. Acknowledgements: 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 (RYC) in partnership with staff at the Department of Human Resources, Social Service Administration (DHR/SSA). Terry V. Shaw, Nina Esaki, Haksoon Ahn, and Diane DePanfilis co-managed the interagency agreement for the Quality Assurance process. Gillian Gregory and Julia O'Connor led the Local Supervisory Review process and Foster Parent Survey. Heidi Melz oversaw the Family Centered Practice evaluation component. Carnitra White, Richard Larson, David Ayer and Linda Carter at DHR/SSA guided the activities related to the Quality Assurance process. The Quality Assurance unit at DHR/SSA includes Linda Carter, Josephine Lambert, and Jewel Wilson-Crawford. A separate companion report, "Maryland Child Welfare performance Indicators: 4th Annual Child Welfare Accountability Report," describes Maryland's performance on the outcome and performance measures outlined by the Child Welfare Accountability Act.