Quality Assurance Processes in Maryland Child Welfare. 3rd Annual Child Welfare Accountability Report

Abstract

Executive Summary: The goal of the projects encompassed in the Child Welfare Accountability Act is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of child welfare services in Maryland. The Maryland Quality Assurance (QA) unit does this through the evaluation of quality assurance processes and system implementation processes in Maryland child welfare. Although Maryland has mechanisms in place to successfully achieve objectives of a comprehensive Quality Assurance system, it has yet to realize its full potential for identifying strengths and needs and providing a framework for meaningful program and systems improvement. 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). Diane DePanfilis, Sarah Kaye, and Terry V. Shaw managed the interagency agreement for the Quality Assurance process. Gillian Gregory led the Local Supervisory Review process and Foster Parent Survey. Anna Hayward oversaw the Family Centered Practice evaluation component. Nina Esaki assisted with the preparation of this report. 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, Shirley Brown, Josephine Lambert, Dee Ritterpusch, and Jewel Wilson. A separate companion report, "Maryland Child Welfare Performance Indicators: 3rd Annual Child Welfare Accountability Report," describes Maryland's performance on the outcome and performance measures outlined by the Child Welfare Accountability Act.