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.