Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

DCF's Lead Agency Readiness Assessment Process Meets Statutory Requirements, But Needs Strengthening

Report 04-15, February 2004




Report Summary

Although the Department of Children and Families' new process to determine district and lead agency readiness meets legislative intent, the process should be strengthened to better ensure that community-based providers are ready to assume responsibility for child welfare services. While the department is taking steps to improve the process, it should also further improve its readiness instrument and require lead agencies to submit business plans before finalizing its contracts with these organizations. Finally, the department should strengthen its data and accountability monitoring systems. As required by law, we will continue to monitor department progress in future reviews.


Related Reports
  1. Improved Fiscal and Quality Oversight Is Needed for the Independent Living Program
    Report 07-11 February 2007
  2. OPPAGA Report: Child Welfare System Performance Mixed in First Year of Statewide Community-Based Care
    Report 06-50 June 2006
  3. Additional Improvements Are Needed as DCF Redesigns Its Lead Agency Oversight Systems
    Report 06-05 January 2006
  4. Improvements in Independent Living Services Will Better Assist State's Struggling Youth
    Report 05-61 December 2005
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
social services, health, quality assurance monitoring, adoption, child care, child abuse, neglect, child protection, family services, foster care, abuse hotline, privatization, community based care protective services, program monitoring, children, foster homes, foster children, lead agencies, technical assistance, contract monitoring, contingency planning, readiness assessment, readiness instrument, families