OUR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ACTION

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES BEGINNING 2009

PAGE 1 INTRODUCTION AND OUR MANDATED GOALS Our Five Main Areas of Priority

PAGES 2-7 SPECIFIC GOALS Measurable Activities in Each Area

PAGES 8-13 NATIONAL AND LOCAL TRENDS Demographics and Trends Affecting Our Services

STRATEGIC ISSUES OF IMPACT

FINANCES • We will seek to analyze and improve all that we do to be prudent and even more effective with finances. We are aware of national-federal and state crises and concerns, and we will make the most effective use of levy money and donations for the life-changing work we do.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS • Fully 80% of the child abuse and neglect cases involve drug or alcohol abuse by the adults and/or children involved. Up to 80% of our cases also involve single parents. We seek concern of all for these troublesome needs, and we seek remedy and healing for these obvious causes. We will work with families, our community partners and religious groups to improve the lives of the children and families we serve.

1 SUMMIT COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES STRATEGIC PLAN Multi-Year Beginning 2009

INTRODUCTION Summit County Children Services serves abused, neglected, and dependent children and provides services to promote CHILD SAFETY, PERMANENCY AND OVERALL WELL BEING for all children served. To accomplish our mission the agency provides a variety of services predicated on the belief that, whenever possible, the best place for children is in their own home. When the best interests of children requires removal from their home, the least restrictive placement alternatives are secured while reunification plans are implemented, or other permanency plans are pursued.

For over 125 years, Summit County Children Services has provided these critical services to improve the lives of abused and neglected children and their families. Our services have been accredited by the Council of Accreditation since 1981, and we routinely monitor service outcomes for continued improvement and mandate compliance. In addition, our firm commitment to prudent use of fiscal resources has been demonstrated by consistently clean fiscal audits. It is this rich history that provides the foundation for our long range plans to ensure we continue to meet the current, emerging and future needs of abused and neglected children in our community.

This strategic plan was developed after both analysis of federal, state and local trends and a review of best practice Child Welfare standards. We also obtained input from agency staff, community stakeholders, professional partners and clients served by the agency. The following agency outcome measures and strategic goals are also consistent with nationally recognized outcomes for children and families served by the public child welfare system:

Strategic Plan Benchmarks/Goals

Federal Standard 2007 Actual 2009 Outcome Indicators CHILD SAFETY: Recurrence of Maltreatment 6.10% or less 9.7% 6.0% Percent of children with Indicated/Substantiated abuse/neglect with another incident within six months

Child Abuse/Neglect in Foster Care Percent of children in substitute care with 0.57% or less 0.9% 0.0% Indicated/Substantiated abuse/neglect by a substitute caregiver CHILD SAFETY AND PERMANENCY: Substitute Care Re-Entries 8.60% or less 12.0% 10.0% Percent of children re-entering foster care within twelve months of exiting foster care PERMANENCY: Stability of Substitute Placement 86.7% or 85.0% 87.0% Percent of children in substitute care with two or less greater placement moves

Family Reunifications within 1 year Percent of children exiting foster care/reunified with 76.2% or 76.4% 90.0% family within twelve months of entering foster care greater

Adoptions Finalized Within 24 months 32.0% or greater 34.1% 50.0% Percent of children adopted with finalization within 24 months of entering care CHILD WELL BEING: Services implemented to meet children’s needs:  Health 80% w/in 30 days  Educational 80% w/in 30 days  Emotional/Behavioral 80% w/in 30 days Ohio Department of Job and Family Services As of 4th qtr 2007 (ODJFS) Child Welfare Mandates All Required Mandates 90% in all mandates 65.7% 75% Client Contact Mandates 90% in all contact 41.3% 90% mandates

These outcome measures are referred to throughout the plan as the individual and collective efforts of each agency department will directly impact the quality of services we provide to each child and family. Throughout the next few years each agency department will develop measurable action plans to guide the agency to meet our goals.

2 Strategic Plan (2009-2011) Goals and Objectives

SUMMIT COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of Summit County Children Services is to excel in the investigation of reports of child abuse and neglect and in the delivery of culturally sensitive, collaborative protective services that provide children with a safe, nurturing and permanent home.

SUMMIT COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES VISION STATEMENT: Because of our strong commitment to protect abused, neglected and dependent children and strengthen families, we will:  Seek to assure the safety of children  Investigate needs with expediency and excellence  Be vital and effective in our work  Intervene only where necessary and only to the proper degree  Believe that all children should grow up in their own family or another permanent home  Serve and communicate well internally and externally  Serve in teamwork with families, relatives and our partner agencies in the community  Invigorate a staff that is well trained, culturally competent, compassionate, focused on excellence and quality improvement  Be fiscally responsible

To position Summit County Children Services to meet the current, emerging and future needs of abused and neglected children and their families, the following service and organizational priorities have been identified for 2009-2011:

SERVICE and FISCAL PRIORITIES…… The following service goals are consistent with federal outcome indicators for CHILD SAFETY, PERMANENCY AND WELL BEING. In addition, the agency has identified key objectives to streamline services and improve internal collaboration internally between service departments and externally with community service partners. These objectives will facilitate comprehensive, family centered services and make available all agency resources at the first point of agency intervention with families.

Stringent oversight and accountability measures will ensure prudent use of available financial resources, as well as contingency plans for possible reductions in federal, state and local revenues.

CHILD SAFETY Goal 1: Protect children from abuse and neglect Goal 2: Maintain children in their own homes whenever possible

CHILD SAFETY Outcome Measurements:  Meet Federal Outcome Indicator for Recurrence of Maltreatment (6.10 or less)

 Meet Federal Outcome Indicator for Substitute Care Re-entry (8.60 or less)

 Meet Federal Outcome Indicator for Child Abuse/Neglect in Foster Care (0.57 or less)

 Meet ODJFS Child Welfare Mandates for Initiating Investigations of Child Maltreatment (90% or higher)

 Meet ODJFS Child Welfare Client Contact Mandates (90% compliance in all contact mandates)

Activities to improve outcomes for children and families: 1. Improve the quality, timeliness and community collaboration of Intake Services a. Implement specialized units in Intake to manage more complex and specialized investigations b. Provide specialized training to Intake staff to manage complex and specialized investigations c. Develop community partnerships and protocols to enhance investigation collaboration d. Implement evening shifts of Intake staff 2. Implement comprehensive, collaborative and family centered risk assessment and decision making for families at onset of agency involvement and throughout agency intervention a. Implement Team Decision Making at all critical decision making points of a case b. Include family members, involved community professionals and a multi-disciplinary mix of agency staff in abuse/neglect investigations and ongoing case planning with families c. Increase awareness of agency Ombudsman services for timely resolution of client concerns d. Implement interpreter services for all clients with limited English proficiency 3. Implement family supports to strengthen families and maintain children in their own homes a. Implement intensive home based services for all families at risk of having children removed from their homes and to stabilize family reunifications upon children’s return home b. Provide youth mentors/role models for adolescents to enhance familial and peer relationships c. Maintain monthly contact with community services providers to coordinate services and reduce 3 barriers to services 4.Implement supports for foster parents caring for children in agency custody a. Provide agency staff representation at all Foster Parent Association meetings to address issues as they arise and engage in ongoing problem solving to strengthen agency foster care services for children b. Provide respite for foster parents c. Provide enrichment activities and services for children with emotional behavioral and educational needs

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY Goal 1: Prudent management of financial resources while meeting operational needs Goal 2: Demonstrate fundamental fiscal reporting and compliance

Activities: 1. Adhere to levy budget provisions 2. Maintain annual unqualified independent audit opinion 3. Maximize revenues through traditional and non traditional resources 4. Maintain sufficient annual carry forward resources to meet cash flow needs 5. Ongoing reviews of all agency departments and human resources to ensure maximum productivity and effectiveness

PERMANENCY Goal 1: Permanency and stability for children in their living situations Goal 2: Preserve the continuity of family relationships and connections for children

PERMANENCY Outcome Measurements:  Meet Federal Outcome Indicator for Substitute Care Re-Entries (8.60% or less)

 Meet Federal Outcome Indicator for Stability of Substitute Care Placement (86.7% or greater)

 Meet Federal Outcome Indicator for Family Reunifications within 1 Year (76.2% or greater)

 Meet Federal Outcome Indicator for Adoptions Finalized within 24 months (32.0% or greater)

 Meet ODJFS Child Welfare Mandates (90% compliance in all mandates)

 Meet ODJFS Child Welfare Client Contact Mandates (90% compliance in all contact mandates)

 Meet ODJFS Child Welfare Mandates for Independent Living Assessments (90% or greater)

 Meet ODJFS Child Welfare Mandates for Family Visitation (90.0% or greater)

 Reduce the Average Length of Stay for Children in Custody

 Reduce the number of Children in Permanent Custody Awaiting Adoption

Activities to improve outcomes for children and families: 1. Implement structures and programs to facilitate and support child placements with relatives whenever possible a. Streamline process to identify and evaluate all relatives interested in placement b. Define and implement time requirements for implementation of supports for relatives caring for children 2. Begin permanency planning for all children at time of initial custody a. Implement concurrent planning for all children at time of initial custody b. Complete Family Team Meetings for all children in custody c. Increase the number of children safely placed with relatives d. Improve internal service coordination to strengthen continuity of services 3. Implementation of family supports and outreach to facilitate family reunification a. Improve initial service coordination to clients not meeting case plan goals b. Collaborate with community service providers to implement outreach strategies for families to succeed 4. Increase the number of placements in Summit County for children in agency custody a. Collaborate with community providers to develop safe/effective local placement resources b. Develop placement resources within Summit County for sibling groups 5. Develop and implement a comprehensive Visitation/Respite Program a. Construct a new Visitation/Respite Center b. Increase the frequency, duration and quality of family visits c. Increase the frequency of family visits in community settings 4 6. Increase the availability/coordination of support services to families receiving services a. Implement substance abuse/mental health, parenting, counseling, services provided by community providers on agency grounds b. Increase communication amongst all service providers serving mutual clients c. Expand services available to families 7. Expand emancipation planning for all children in agency custody aged 16 years and older a. Explore family resource options for support and care for each child exiting foster care b. Expand the pool of resource apartments for children emancipating from foster care c. Expand collaborations with local universities and the military for interested children d. Implement and coordinate community supports for children prior to emancipation 8. Implement collaborative services and programs to meet the specific needs of minorities served by the agency a. Complete an assessment of minority needs b. Collaborate with community partners serving minority populations

CHILD WELL BEING Goal 1: Enhance Families’ capacity to care for children and meet their needs Goal 2: Provide services to children that meet their individual educational, emotional and physical needs

CHILD WELL BEING Outcome Measurements:

 Meet ODJFS Mandates for3 and 6 Month Case Reviews (90.0% or greater)

 Meet ODJFS Child Welfare Client Contact Mandates (90% compliance in all contact mandates)

 Meet ODJFS Mandates for Family Participation in Case Planning (90% or greater)

 Meet ODJFS Child Welfare Mandates for Family Visitation (90% or greater)

 Services Implemented to Meet Children’s Needs: o Health (80% within 30 days of admission to foster care) o Educational (80% within 30 days of admission to foster care) o Emotional/Behavioral (80% within 30 days of admission to foster care)

Activities to improve outcomes for children and families: 1. Early implementation of support services for children in agency custody a. Define and implement time requirements for implementation of educational, emotional and behavioral services needed for children in placement b. Establish time requirements for implementation of family visitation plan for children in custody 2. Implement family centered case planning for all families receiving services a. Include families (and extended family members) input on case plan goals and objectives b. Include family support persons input on case plan goals and objectives c. Increase family participation in case reviews 3. Increase the availability, accessibility and continuity of medical care for children in agency custody a. Revise hours of agency clinic services b. Improve coordination and collaboration with community medical providers c. Improve timeliness of securing medical information and identification of service needs

PREVENTION SERVICES Goal 1: Provide short term residential services in Summit County for children in need of more structured and secure placement settings Goal 2: Provide immediate access to adult services for children ages 18 to 21 years old aging out of the youth service systems Goal 3: Provide early intervention service to children at risk of abuse/neglect or developmental delays

Measurements:  Licensed residential placement facility in Summit County

 Community service linkage and implementation for all children emancipating from foster care

 Referral to Help Me Grow services for all children 5 years of age and younger identified as high risk and receiving agency services

 Agency staff participation and collaboration with Summit County 2010 project to improve school readiness for young children and housing availability for youth aging out of foster care

5  Reduce incidents of child abuse/neglect from 16.67 per 1,000 in 2006 to 14.75 per 1,000 in 2010 Activities: 1. Referral and service coordination for children at risk of abuse and neglect a. Referral for early intervention services: children under 5 years of age identified as high risk, children 3 years and under receiving agency services, newborns; when a call to the agency has been screen out b. Ongoing contact with early intervention specialist to coordinate service delivery 2. Collaborate with community mental health/substance abuse providers to develop in county residential services 3. Collaborate with child and adult serving agencies to develop protocols to bridge the service gaps for children emancipating from child serving agencies 4. Agency staff participation and collaboration with Summit County 2010 collaborative project to improve school readiness, housing availability for children aging out of foster care

ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES to support our service staff… Our organizational goals reflect our commitment to ensure our front line social services staff has the fiscal resources and service supports to best meet the needs of each family and child that comes to the attention of the agency.

HUMAN RESOURCES: Goal 1: Maintain a highly qualified and culturally competent work force to meet the varied needs of agency clients

Measurements:  Maintain a ready pool of qualified applicants

 All staff maintain required license credentials

 Staff readiness to meet client needs

 Staff turnover less than 10%

Activities: 1. Implement ongoing staff recruitment campaign 2. Provide ongoing staff training to meet current and emerging needs of clients and staff safety 3. Maintain up to date employee handbook 4. Conduct ongoing evaluation of staff positions to maximize human resources 5. Implement employee recognition and retention program a. Develop retention plans to meet specific organizational needs of agency

FACILITIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT Goal: Maximize security/safety measures and facilities management to minimize risk to agency, staff and clients

Measurements:  Formalize master campus plan

 Reduce unauthorized campus traffic (foot and vehicle)

 Reduce occurrences of vandalism and criminal activity on campus

 Reduce incidents of injury to staff/visitors on campus

 Reduce incidents of threats of harm to staff on campus and in the field

 Formalize Emergency Response Plan

Activities: 1. Develop and implement a Master Campus Plan to improve campus safety and enhance client services 2. Maintain qualified, experienced security staff 3. Improve and update security equipment 4. Develop and implement an Emergency Response Plan of detailed procedures to minimize staff and client risks while continuing operations in the aftermath of a disabling or catastrophic event

COMMUNITY EDUCATION Goal 1: Improve community awareness and understanding of agency programs and services Goal 2: Increase community support for agency programs and services

Measurements:  Improved community perception of agency via Summit Poll Survey results 6  Operational volunteer program to serve agency clients  New community partnerships implemented

 Increased media coverage of family success stories

Activities: 1. Implement comprehensive community education and awareness campaign a. Engage electronic and print media b. Expand and enhance the agency’s Ambassador Program 2. Develop and implement a comprehensive volunteer program a. Recruitment of community leaders and lay persons to engage as volunteer mentors for youth and families b Develop a ready pool of volunteers to engage in agency events, programs, and outreach activities 3. Expand community partnerships a. Collaborate on family focused events b. Expand available resources for families served by the agency c. Engage the faith based community in agency programming for child placements, support services and family volunteers 4. Improve internal communication

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE Goal 1: Council On Accreditation reaccreditation Activities: 1. Complete self-assessment of all agency programs and services; April 2009 2. Complete on-site assessment by COA reviewers 3. Obtain Re-accreditation by July 2009 Goal 2: Improve compliance with ODJFS mandates Activity: 1. Perform internal audits to routinely monitor compliance with required case activity and documentation; report quarterly 2. Monthly monitoring of caseload size composition and activity for trends and staff productivity

Goal 3: Improve compliance with Federal mandated outcomes for CHILD SAFETY, PERMANENCY, AND WELL BEING Activity: 1. Quarterly data review and analysis to monitor compliance with federal outcomes

Goal 4: Improve Client and Stakeholder satisfaction with agency programs and services Activities: 1. Conduct satisfaction surveys with agency staff, clients, and foster/adoptive parents, and community Stakeholders; at least one external survey annually 2. Monitor trends in client concerns quarterly

Goal 5: Ongoing monitoring of service volume and quality Activities: 1. Monthly monitoring of caseload size and activity 2. Conduct random case reviews in all service areas to monitor service effectiveness 3. Develop and implement monitoring tools for all activities in agency strategic plan

7 NATIONAL AND STATE TRENDS Federal and State policy changes mandate increased levels of accountability, monitoring and reporting of case activity, and improved outcomes related to child safety, permanency and well-being. In addition, throughout the country, public child welfare professionals are facing increasingly complex family situations in need of service, increased competition for financial resources, and a national caseworker turnover rate in excess of 10%. These challenges also present unique opportunities to improve service collaboration and innovation to meet the needs of children and families served by child welfare agencies.

Nationally, the rate of children involved in child abuse/neglect investigations increased from 43.8 per 1,000 children in 2002 to 47.8 in 1000 in 2006. There are 520,000 children in foster care and 268,000 children enter the system each year. Minority populations are over-represented; comprising 33% of the general population, but 42% of the population receiving child welfare services. Children 3 years and younger have the highest rate of victimization and of the 1,530 child deaths from abuse/neglect each year, 78% of these children were under 4 years of age. Parents were involved as the perpetrators in 75% of all these child deaths. Child victims of abuse and neglect decreased slightly from 12.3 per thousand children in 2002 to 12.1 per thousand children in 2006. Ohio’s child victimization rates are in the middle range of frequency (15.1 to 20.1 per thousand children) when compared to nationally established categories ranging from 0.0 – 5.0 per thousand children to 20.1 and greater per thousand children.

Across the country families face daily increasing issues related to substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, violent crime, job related stress and other economic/life stressors, all of which significantly impact the health, safety and well-being of children. As a direct result, child welfare professionals are faced with serving an increasingly complex client population. Caseloads today routinely include families with multiple stressors and needs, including but not limited to:  Parental substance abuse as a contributing factor in up to 80% of all child abuse/neglect cases  Families of children in foster care include: o 87% single parents o 35% with issues of domestic violence o 70% with issues of mental health o 67% with issues of substance abuse  Up to 80% of youth in foster care have their own mental health/substance abuse problems, and 30% of youth in foster care have severe behavioral, emotional or developmental problems.

To meet the current needs of families brought to the attention of child welfare agencies, The Child Welfare League of America has recommended that all child welfare agencies must provide services in at least the following areas:  Child Protection for Abuse/Neglect, Abandonment  Family Visitation  Kinship, Foster Care, and Adoption  Senior Services (Seniors Caring for Children)  Substance Abuse/Mental Health, Domestic Violence  Health Care, HIV/AIDS, Pregnancy and Prevention/Pregnancy Services and Services for Young Parents  Residential Group Care  Independent Living  Housing/In-Home Aides  Juvenile Justice/Children with Incarcerated Parents  Child Day Care

Summit County & Agency Trends Summit County demographics suggest a continued need for service innovation to meet the needs of abused and neglected children and their families. In recent years, our community has seen an increase in adult and juvenile felony cases, an increased demand for substance abuse and mental health services, 98% occupancy in public housing and 29,700 children living in poverty. These demographics are clear risk indicators of child abuse and neglect.

Although all parents experiencing stress do not mistreat their children, research clearly links increased parental stress to child maltreatment. Additionally, child abuse and neglect occurs in all races, socio-economic statuses and ethnicities. Notably, Summit County Children Services client demographics mirror national trends related to families served dealing with multiple life stressors on a daily basis. Minority populations are also over-represented in Summit County: comprising 18% of the general population; but 36% of the total client population receiving agency services.

Over the past decade, agency caseloads have become increasingly complex with more families dealing with substance abuse, mental health issues of the children and caretakers, single parenting, and health related issues. In addition, children in agency custody need more costly, specialized placement resources to meet their multiple needs. 2007 agency client caseloads include:  57% from Akron, 23% from Barberton, 20% from elsewhere in Summit County  44% of child abuse/neglect investigations involve families with financial stressors 8  Up to 65% involve single parent families  Up to 80% have substance abuse/mental health issues  77% deal with three or more daily stressors  Average age of 31 years for birth parents  2,165 children in agency custody/placement  629 children in contracted placements  12% of perpetrators were abused/neglected as children and involved with the agency  76% of children who left agency care were reunified with family within 12 months

As the only agency in Summit County mandated to serve abused and neglected children, Summit County Children Services is also the only agency available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make a home visit when children are thought to be abused or neglected, provide alternative placements for children in need of immediate safety, and connect families with necessary services to improve family functioning. Without this intervention, abused and neglected children are at increased risk to become abusive adults and substance abusers, and engage in criminal behavior. Thus, as risks associated with child abuse and neglect increase, Summit County Children Services must be prepared to meet the needs of all children and families referred for services.

Recognizing that fiscal resources are finite, the key to providing quality and culturally sensitive services is to maintain a well trained professional staff, and continue to maximize our resources through grants, community collaborations and creative programming that build upon our existing services. It is this philosophy that will position the agency to meet the current, emerging and future needs of abused and neglected children as well as meet state, federal and national Child Welfare outcomes for the safety, permanency and overall well-being of children brought to the agency’s attention.

To meet the needs of abused and neglected children and their families, Summit County Children Services provides the following services:

INTAKE SERVICES Intake services include a 24-hour hotline to receive calls of concern for children and families. Reports of abuse, neglect and dependency are investigated by social workers to assess the child’s immediate safety, evaluate potential safety risks, and identify the family’s service needs. Services are provided in collaboration with community service providers to strengthen family functioning and minimize identified safety risks. Investigations are completed within 30-45 days.  2007 Intake Services Provided: o 8,742 calls of concern received; involving 10,775 adults and 11,781 children o 5,169 child abuse/neglect investigations; 1,351 (26%) were substantiated/indicated o 9% of children were removed from their homes o 3,116 children referred more than once o 667 families transferred for ongoing protective services

 2007 Intake Client demographics: o 63% Caucasian, 36% African American o 57% from Akron, 23% from Barberton and 20% from elsewhere in Summit County o 84% single parent families o 43% with one child, 29% with two children and 28% with more than two children o 31% of children served were under six years old, 39% were 6-12 years, and 30% were 13 years and o 44% had substance abuse/mental health issues

Intake Trends: Intake calls of concern have decreased 15% from a monthly average of 932 in 2002 to a monthly average of 789 during the first half of 2008. Calls categorized as abuse, neglect and dependency decreased 15% from 6,113 in 2005 to 5,169 in 2007. Intake priorities to improve child safety, permanency and well being include:  Timely and thorough investigations  Consistency and accuracy of risk assessments  Retention of experienced and qualified social workers  Internal coordination of investigative and ongoing services  Compliance with ODJFS Child Welfare mandates

ONGOING PROTECTIVE SERVICES Ongoing Protective Services provide supportive counseling to children and families to strengthen family supports and maintain children safely in their own homes. When a child is abused, neglected, or dependent and must be removed from the home, services are provided to resolve identified safety issues and work toward family reunification or an alternative permanent plan for the child. Services include home visits, parent education, family visitation, referrals to community services, and collaboration with community professionals to meet each family’s case plan goal.  2007 Ongoing Protective Services Provided: o 1,794 families served; involving 2,050 adults and 2,846 children o Services provided for an average of 12 months o 1,827 children served in out of home placement 9 o Average length of stay for children in out of home care was 7 months o Of 901 children who left foster care in 2007; 95% were reunified with family

 2007 Ongoing Protective Services Client demographics: o 51% Caucasian, 46% African American o 68% from Akron, 8% from Barberton and % 24% from elsewhere in Summit County o 65% single parent families o 46% of children were under six years of age, 33% were 6-12 years, and 21% were 13 years and older o 40% had two or more children o 80% had substance abuse/mental health issues o 32% economic/housing stressors o 77% dealt with three or more stressors on a daily basis o 84% of children had a goal to remain in their own home or reunify with their family o 13% of children had a goal of Independent Living or Adoption

Ongoing Protective Services Trends: Families receiving ongoing services decreased 12% from a monthly average of 1,093 families in 2002 to a monthly average of 964 families during the first half of 2008. Children receiving ongoing services decreased 11%. Consistent with past years, families served by the agency have multiple and complex needs, with almost 80% dealing with three significant daily life stressors including mental health and substance abuse. Protective Services priorities to improve child safety, permanency and well being include:  Internal and external service coordination and collaboration  Early Identification of and service implementation for children at high risk of abuse or neglect  Adequate family supports to maintain children in their own home  Family engagement in establishing case plan goals and objectives  Outreach to non compliant families  Community collaboration in service delivery  Compliance with ODJFS Child Welfare mandates

KINSHIP SERVICES When a child is unable to safely remain in their own home, a kinship placement is secured whenever possible to maintain family connectedness and minimize the trauma of separation for the child. Kinship Services provide immediate safety and placement stability for children while the family works to resolve the safety issues that caused the child’s removal. Services include education, training and support to kinship caregivers, assistance with food, clothing, furniture, and referrals to community resources. All Kinship caregivers participate in service plans to best meet the needs of the children in their care.  2007 Kinship Services provided: o 1,119 children served in kinship placements o Support services provided to 766 kinship homes caring for children o Average length of stay for children in kinship placement was 4 months o 339 children were placed in the legal custody of relatives

 2007 Kinship Client demographics: o 47% of children served were Caucasian, 50% were African American o 74% of kinship placements were in Akron, 7% were in Barberton,15% were elsewhere in Summit County and 4% were out of county o Average age of kinship caregivers was 46 years old o 47% of kinship caregivers were single adults o 40% of children were under six years of age, 34% were 6-12 years, and 26% were 13 years and older

Kinship Services Trends: Kinship placements for children decreased 16% from a high of 417 children in kinship placements in 2002 to a monthly average of 352 during the first half of 2008. Kinship Services priorities to improve child safety, permanency and well being include:  Early identification and thorough assessment of kinship caregivers  Coordination of internal and external services  Sufficient family supports to maintain children in kinship homes  Engagement of kinship caregivers in service planning  Early implementation of services to children in kinship placement

FOSTER CARE/PLACEMENT SERVICES When a child has been abused or neglected and there are no relative placement options, children are placed in licensed foster homes or other contracted placement settings. Foster Care and Placement Services provide 24-hour substitute care resources and support services to place and maintain children in the least restrictive setting. Foster parents and other substitute caregivers are an integral part of the service team -- working to meet the child and family’s case plan goals for reunification or other permanency plan. Services include foster home recruitment and training, ongoing

10 education, training and support to foster parents, and collaboration with contract placement providers to promote child safety and well being and reduce the length of time children remain in out of home care.  2007 Foster Care/Placement Services provided: o 2,165 children served in Substitute care placements o 629 children in contracted placements o Average length of stay for children in foster home placement was 8.5 months o Average length of stay for children in group homes was 10 months o Average length of stay for children in residential placement was 4 months o 76% of children exiting agency care were reunified with family within twelve months o 89% of sibling groups were placed together at time of initial placement o 925 children had more than one placement move o 55 children had more than one admission to substitute care during 2007  2007 Foster Care/Placement Services Client demographics: o 50% of children served were Caucasian, 47% were African American o 71% of child placement were in Summit County, 28% were outside of Summit County but within Ohio, and 0.6% were outside the state of Ohio o 37% of children were under six years of age, 29% were 6-12 years, and 33% were 13 years and older

Foster Care and Placement Services Trends: The number of children in agency custody has continued to decrease since 2002; with an 11% decrease from a monthly average of 1,102 children in 2005 to a monthly average of 982 during the first half of 2008. Significantly, children in care have complex emotional and behavioral needs and contracted placements increased 79% from 224 in 2002 to a high of 400 in December 2006. Since 2007, contract placements have decreased 31% to a monthly average of 277 during the first half of 2008.

The number of licensed agency foster homes has remained consistent at 300 homes. The monthly average number of homes caring for children decreased 12% from 218 in 2005 to 192 in 2008.

Foster Care and Placement Services priorities to improve child safety, permanency and well being include:  Foster parent recruitment and retention  Effective match between foster parents’ skills and children’s needs  Short term residential facility for children in Summit County  Reducing the length of stay for children in placement  Effective supports for foster parents

ADOPTION/PERMANENCY SERVICES The best place for children to develop and reach their full potential is with a permanent family. Adoption Services matches children in permanent custody with adoptive families that can best meet their individual needs. Services include adoptive parent recruitment, education and training, adoption preparation services to emotionally prepare children and families for adoption, and ongoing supportive counseling from initial placement through adoption finalization. Post adoption services are also available to assist the family with emerging service needs as they arise.  2007 Adoption/Permanency Services provided: o 89 finalized adoptions o 34% of children were adopted within 24 months o Monthly average of 203 children in the agency’s Permanent Custody o Average total length of stay for children in adoptive placements was 29 months o 22 children adopted by current foster parent o 9 adoptive placements disrupted before finalization; 7 finalized adoptions disrupted

 2007 Adoption/Permanency Client demographics: o 52% of children in permanent custody were Caucasian, 46% were African American o 54% of children in permanent custody were male, 46% were female o 61% of children adopted were Caucasian, 36% were African American o 48% of adoptive homes were in Summit County, 47% were elsewhere in Ohio, and 5% were outside of Ohio o 39% of children in permanent custody were under six years of age, 31% were 6-12 years, and 30% were 13 years and older o 43% of children adopted were under 6 years of age, 38% were 6-12 years, and 19% were 13 years and older

Adoption Services Trends: Since 2005 there has been a decrease in both the number of children in permanent custody awaiting adoption and the number of children in Permanent Planned Living Arrangement (PPLA) custody. The monthly average number of children in permanent custody decreased 24% from 266 in 2005 to 203 in 2007. Children in permanent planned living arrangement custody decreased 45% from 185 in 2005 to 101 during the first half of 2008. Adoption /Permanency Services priorities to improve child safety, permanency and well being include:  Permanency planning for all children at time of admission to care 11  Available pool of adoptive homes to meet the needs of children awaiting adoption  Adoptive resources for sibling groups, older children, and children with special needs

Independent Living Services Independent Living Services are provided to children in agency custody, sixteen years and older to ease the transition from foster care to the world of work or further educational opportunities. The program includes a structured curriculum of educational, support and hands on experiences including budgeting, meal planning, housing, employment, relationship building and decision making. Each child participates in development of their individualized emancipation plan.  2007 Independent Living Services provided: o 548 children in agency custody age 16 and older; 162 had a case plan goal of Independent Living o 91 children received Independent Living Services, with 24 continuing at year end

 2007 Independent Living Services Client demographics: o 43% of children served were Caucasian, 53% were African American o 36 children exited agency care with stable housing in the community o 17 graduated high school o 18 children were gainfully employed at custody termination o 68% of all children emancipated had mental health or behavioral issues

Independent Living Services Trends: In 2007, 70 youth aged out of foster care-with over two thirds (68%) of the exiting population having mental health and/or behavioral issues. More than a quarter of this population (28%) had educational difficulties. Children enrolled in the agency’s Independent Living Program have increased 40% from 65 children in 2003 to 91 children in 2007. Independent Living Services priorities to improve child safety, permanency and well being include:  Detailed emancipation plans for every child 16 years and older  Thorough and timely independent living skills assessment for children 16 years and older  Ready pool of job training and placement resources with living wages  Identification/coordination of community services and supports for children aging out of foster care  Increased availability of community housing for youth  Educational resources for youth

Transitional Housing Services Transitional Housing services provide temporary housing and supportive counseling to young adults aged 18-25 years who have previously been in agency foster care and become homeless. Services include instruction and support in employment, education, budgeting, leisure time management, relationship building, career planning and other life skills. Each young adult also has an individualized plan to achieve self-sufficiency and permanent housing.  2007 Transitional Housing Services provided: o 11 young adults served o Average length of time from emancipation to need for services was 11 months o Average length of stay in program housing was 11 months

 2007 Transitional Housing Services Client demographics: o 18% served were Caucasian, 82% were African American o 80% established in the community at discharge o 100% graduated high school o 80% gainfully employed at service termination

Transitional Housing Services Trends: Transitional Housing Services priorities to improve child safety, permanency and well being include:  Outreach to young adults in need of services  Expansion of services to include support services to youth aged out of foster care  Coordination of community services

Visitation Services Visitation Services are provided to maintain placement stability and family connectedness for children in agency custody. The agency’s Visitation Center provides a safe, nurturing environment for family visits. Services include supervision of family visits to ensure each child’s safety and parent education and role modeling to facilitate family reunification.  2007 Visitation Services provided: o Over 8,700 family visits  4,817 highly supervised visits  1,943 moderately supervised visits  1,979 minimally supervised visits

12 Visitation Services Trends: Agency supervised visits increased 23% from 7,096 in 2003 to 8,719 in 2007. Visitation Services priorities to improve child safety, permanency and well being include:  Construction of a new Visitation Center  Increased frequency, duration and quality of family visits  Increased frequency of family visits community settings

Thomas W. Blazey Diagnostic Center The Thomas W. Blazey Diagnostic Center provides primary health care for all children in agency custody. Services include all routine medical and dental care. Emergency care and specialized treatments are referred to community professionals based upon the individual needs of each child.  2007 Thomas W. Blazey Diagnostic Center services provided: o 2,165 children served o Over 5,500 medical examinations; Over 1,000 dental examinations o 14 children referred for emergency care; 743 children referred for specialized treatment

 2007 Client demographics: o 51% of children served were Caucasian, 46% were African American o 46% of children were under six years of age, 33% were 6-12 years, and 21% were 13 years and older

Thomas W. Blazey Diagnostic Services Trends: Medical and dental services provided to children in agency custody via the agency’s clinic have increased. The monthly average of medical exams has increased 7% from 432 in 2002 to 462 during the first half of 2008. Monthly dental exams have increased 212% from 26 in 2002 to 81 during the first half of 2008. Thomas W. Blazey Diagnostic Services priorities to improve child safety, permanency and well being include:  Thorough and timely health assessments  Effective coordination of physical health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment  Timely referrals for and coordination of specialized medical and dental care  Maximize external funding sources

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention It is a well established fact in Child Welfare that prevention, education and early intervention improves family functioning. These services are essential to both families and the community. With a direct correlation between family stressors and child abuse and neglect a community response of expansive resources, training collaboration among child serving agencies is needed to reduce family crises, prevent further risks to children and to break the cycle of generational abuse. Summit County Children Services actively partners with community service providers to provide ongoing prevention intervention and education services to our mutual clients and the public throughout Summit County.

Human Resources Human Resources is responsible for staff recruitment, orientation and training to ensure we recruit and retain qualified and well trained professional and support staff. All new staff attend an orientation to acquaint them with agency services, support departments, and policies/procedures. Newly hired caseworkers participate in a 45 day Training Unit program which provides consist orientation to agency service philosophy and mandates, and casework processes. Additional training for caseworkers includes mandated and specialized child welfare training which meet both state training and licensure requirements. All training is provided on site at the 14 county Northeast Ohio Regional Training Center.

Fiscal Summit County Children Services’ operational funds include federal, state and local dollars. Every six years a levy is placed on the ballot which generates revenue based on local property taxes. The agency’s annual budget is $54.1 million dollars; comprised of 34% federal, and 9% state funds and 57% local levy funds. A long history of prudent fiscal management has resulted in consistently clean audits. Continued sufficient financial resources and accountability must be maintained to provide for uninterrupted provision of services to children and families.

Community Relations Community Relations is responsible for community education/outreach conducted throughout the year to ensure community awareness, understanding, and support for agency services. Media outreach and development of strong community partnerships are also pursued to further expand the range of community awareness for our services and to increase availability and accessibility of resources to meet the needs of children and families served by the agency. Quality Assurance Summit County Children Services quality improvement activities comply with the requirements of the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Ongoing systemic monitoring includes: internal and external audits of mandate compliance, ongoing random case reviews for quality and completeness, and multiple management reports to monitor caseload size, composition and activity. In addition, satisfaction surveys are conducted with agency staff and clients, and community stakeholders.

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