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

OPPAGA Report: Child Welfare System Performance Mixed in First Year of Statewide Community-Based Care

Report 06-50, June 2006




Report Summary

Since the transition to community-based care, foster children are obtaining permanent placements more quickly, but high percentages of children experience reabuse and return to foster care. More foster children also experience frequent moves among foster care placements. Community-based care has had a generally positive effect on state foster home capacity, with more foster homes and beds now available statewide and fewer foster homes over their licensed capacity. However, foster parents continue to express concerns about board rates and communication with providers.

Case managers have experienced some positive changes under community-based care, with lower caseloads and position vacancy rates. However, starting salaries are also lower and staff turnover is higher.

To help ensure that the transition to community-based care improves overall performance, the department should

  • target critical outcomes that have not shown improvement, and
  • provide additional guidance for lead agency quality assurance reviews of subcontractors.


Related Reports
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    Report 08-39 June 2008
  2. CBC Pilot Project Implementation Delayed But Proceeding; Other Initiatives Implemented
    Report 07-03 January 2007
  3. Additional Improvements Are Needed as DCF Redesigns Its Lead Agency Oversight Systems
    Report 06-05 January 2006
  4. Progress Report: Child Welfare Legal Services Makes Some Improvements, But Other Changes Needed
    Report 05-47 September 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, child welfare, child protection, abuse, neglect, lead agency, community-based care, child welfare, foster care, adoption, outsourcing, privatization, performance, child protection, foster care, legal services, dependent children, CBCs, lead agencies