Section 5-1308 - Quality assessment.
§ 5-1308. Quality assessment.
(a) Process established.-
(1) The Department shall have a process for the assessment of the quality of casework services.
(2) An entity that specializes in child welfare services that enters into a memorandum of understanding with the Department may review and provide guidance on the quality assessment process developed by the Department.
(b) Measures assessed.- The quality assessment shall examine whether the outcome indicators established in §§ 5-1303 through 5-1306 of this subtitle have been substantially achieved.
(c) In-depth child and family case reviews.-
(1) The process described in subsection (a) of this section shall assess the quality of casework services through in-depth child and family case reviews that involve direct interviews by qualified and trained reviewers with:
(i) children;
(ii) family members;
(iii) caseworkers;
(iv) judges;
(v) court-appointed special advocates;
(vi) foster parents;
(vii) teachers;
(viii) medical personnel; and
(ix) others involved in providing support to the family.
(2) The child and family case reviews shall determine whether:
(i) children are safe;
(ii) the needs of children are met, specifically that the children:
1. are enrolled in school and receiving appropriate educational services; and
2. have all timely medical, dental, and mental health services, based on the child's needs; and
(iii) the visitation between separated family members is occurring frequently and regularly, consistent with the best interests of the child.
(3) The performance reviews shall determine whether:
(i) 1. the family participated in the development of the service agreement and the case plan;
2. the service agreement addressed the behaviors and circumstances that led to child abuse or neglect; and
3. the case plan and service agreement were timely initiated;
(ii) the case plan was implemented and progress was made;
(iii) all members of the team of professionals working with the family and the child met at regular intervals to make changes to services and supports as necessary;
(iv) 1. a caseworker was promptly and regularly assigned and accessible to the case;
2. the assigned caseworker visited the child at least once per month; and
3. a supervisor has been regularly assigned and accessible to the case; and
(v) the foster parent or kinship care provider is receiving all services necessary to meet the needs of the child, including day care, respite care, and other support services.
[2006, chs. 31, 475.]