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email feedback to bghay@aldenleadership.com 2A - Introduction There are many Child Welfare related initiatives in our
counties, our state, our nation and our field. Most share the same fundamental
objectives [to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect] but within this broad
ranging array of initiatives, there are many different philosophical and
conceptual frameworks and countless different tactical approaches to
implementation. There are a variety of methods and measures advocates use in
their attempts to validate their particular approach. Yet
with all this attention and all this effort and all the money that is being
spent, there is no conclusive result that speaks at a system level about how
best to intervene effectively in families where the children are at risk. There
is no model that weaves together an integrated matrix of specifically defined
elements to produce a framework of values, practices, methods and tools that can
be used as a basis for developing a consistent agency approach to its work. In
Ohio, [over 2 years ago] a concept that was being explored in other states came
to Ohio. At the time – it was called “Case Load Analysis’. Today, while it
still carries this name, it has become something more. This report will explore
its development from its early days where it was mostly misunderstood, to its
current form. Why
should you read this report? If for no other reason, you should read this report
because it represents a systematic, sustained 2-year effort by 8 counties with a
common objective. You should read it because for the first time, it begins to
consolidate and integrate a set of concepts and philosophies into a model that
can be specifically defines, articulated, discussed and debated. Its
definitions, its values and its elements are vibrant and clear – even if you
disagree you will be intrigued with this models ability o catalyze further
debate. More importantly, the elements of this model can be communicated to
workers as an overall system with core shared values and well defined
techniques. You should read this because it models the values it will take to
move this field forward – a group of diversely skilled and experienced people
with a common objective coordinating their efforts in a systematic sustained
project – each holding the other
accountable for results, and each success or failure helping to clarify and
brighten the vision. You should read this report because it demonstrates early
results, and the framework within which future results will be measured. You
should read it because it is a wonderful illustration of how to tackle a complex
issue – developing a shared vision, organizing a group of appropriate people,
and developing clear project plans and a clear forum for holding everyone
accountable. Finally, you should
read it because in addition to the development of a model that begins to
describe a systematic fundamentally sound approach to child welfare, it
integrates the values and concepts of organization development as the context
within which the approach can be first developed and then deployed and
implemented. 2B
– Purpose, Objectives and Scope
Our
intent is to produce a clear, compelling presentation of the Case Load Analysis
Initiative that will support our request for continued funding, while at the
same time capture what has been developed within this initiative as a framework
and platform for continuing development.
1.
Readers will understand what “Case Load Analysis” is. Contextually,
philosophically and practically. This
requires an understanding of where it came from, and what work this group has
done. 2.
Readers will understand the progress that has been made in implementing
the model The
model consists of 9 practice-related elements and 4 agency-management-related
elements. Evaluating the overall effectiveness of the model and interpreting any
outcome measures requires first an evaluation of the degree to which different
counties have implemented the various elements. For each element, we have
developed an objective assessment that answers the following questions: A.
To what degree has the element been implemented and integrated? This
aspects looks at percentage of cases where the element could have/should have
been implemented and actually was. B.
How well is the element being performed? This is a quality measure –
its works to establish as objective a measure as possible for the quality in
practice of each measure. In addition to the questions above, we will also summarize the obstacles that each element faces, the resources needed for successful implementation, and the impact on the agencies’ results. 3.
Readers
will understand the impact that implementation has had on practice and on
outcome measures at multiple levels – children, families, resources and
communities.
From
the platform established by an understanding of each county’s degree of
implementation, we can begin a realistic assessment of the impact of this
approach on outcome measures. 4.
Readers will understand from an objective perspective the current state
of implementation and development, as well as the specific future plans of
participating counties. 5. Readers will understand what counties are requesting in terms resources from the state to support continued development and implementation and integration.
email feedback to bghay@aldenleadership.com |
