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