Children with a length of stay beyond 45 days are being specifically identified in a separate report provided to the Regional Offices. Aftercare data will be reported on as part of the next quarterly report. For siblings, the first set of information indicates that the SAFE Home model does allow for siblings to be placed together. However, upon analysis it is clear that information regarding sibling status needs improvement. Therefore, during this next quarter, a review of the sibling status field will be undertaken and to determine if modifications in data collection are needed.
Multidisciplinary examinations continue to be a focus for quality improvement activities.
The DCF Division of Medicine had published a Request for Proposal to establish Foster Care Clinics throughout the state, and to adopt a standardized protocol for assessments and reports. All the regional offices have reviewed the applicants and are in the process of informing the applicants of their award. The Division of Medicine is also working closely with providers in an effort to identify the most appropriate assessment tools to be used as part of the MDE process, ultimately creating more consistency in the type of testing and the reporting of that testing. Education programming for children in SAFE Home care also continues to be a priority. The SAFE Home providers will receive training through the Department to assist them in their efforts to provide the continuity in educational programming.