information for practice

Overall, positive trends were seen for lead agencies over time (2004-2007). Although initially climbing, both number of children served by lead agencies and children placed in out-of home care have decreased from 2006 to 2007. Two indicators were examined specific to child safety: abuse during services and recurrence of maltreatment. During the time period of 2004 to 2007 fewer children were abused during services. Recurrence rates showed fluctuations per quarter, but there was a small decrease over time. Overall, lead agencies achieved targets set by the Department on these two indicators. Six permanency indicators were examined: length of stay (length of time children remaining in care have been in care), children in out- of- home care longer than 12 months, children exiting out-of-home care within 12 months, children reunified within 12 months, adoptions finalized within 24 months, and children in care less than 12 months with three or more placements. Length of stay fluctuated between 11 and 12 months over time, but showed no marked increase or decrease. While the percent of children staying in out-of-home care longer than 12 months decreased during 2006, it has returned to the same level seen in earlier years (48%). One of the most positive trends seen across 2004 to 2006 was that the proportion of children exiting out-of-home care increased by 7% statewide. Reunifications within 12 months slightly fluctuated over time, but remained at 66%, which is below the target set by the Department. However, a positive trend was seen with adoptions increasing from 2004 to 2007 by 14% statewide.