Consistent with last quarters report, the primary reason identified for the discharge delay was difficulty locating an appropriate foster home. In these circumstances recommendations for placement had been made and the Department was securing the most appropriate placement. In some of these cases, the resources were not available in a time frame consistent with the 45-day discharge. There is a clear correlation between increased lengths of stay with those children identified as requiring a higher level of care, as indicated in twelve of the 28 cases with lengths of stay beyond 80 days. Other children remained longer due to the need to fulfill Interstate Compact and Relative Certification requirements.
All efforts continue to be made to keep siblings together when appropriate.
In those circumstances, children remained in placement longer to secure one placement, rather than accepting two placements, which would result in the displacement of siblings. Twenty-three of the children increased 10 points or more. The data representing this quarters activity indicates that some of the children entering SAFE Home care are being identified as requiring a higher level of care than would be provided through the foster care system. It is important to note that this process is allowing for initial assessments and the early identification of the individual needs of each child. The information gathered continues to demonstrate the positive effects of the SAFE Home model.