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Citizens Review Panels

Citizens Review Panels. Blake Jones Program Coordinator. Overview Objectives. Review history leading up to the federal requirement Detail what the federal legislation requires Review Kentucky’s response to date Focus on the roles and responsibilities of CRP members.

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Citizens Review Panels

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  1. Citizens Review Panels Blake Jones Program Coordinator

  2. Overview Objectives • Review history leading up to the federal requirement • Detail what the federal legislation requires • Review Kentucky’s response to date • Focus on the roles and responsibilities of CRP members

  3. 1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Requires submission of a state plan detailing compliance in order to obtain state child abuse and neglect grant, including: • Child abuse and neglect reporting system • Provision of protective services • Confidentiality

  4. National Climate Moves from focus on Reunification to Safety • Concern over child fatalities in open cases, children “languishing” in foster care, children returned to unsafe home environments • A call across the country for increased accountability in the child protection system • Federal statutory change came in 2 waves: • 1996 CAPTA reauthorization • 1997 adoption and safe families act

  5. 1996 CAPTA Reauthorization • Public disclosure in cases resulting in a fatality or near fatality • Mechanisms to ensure that the State does not require reunification of a child with a parent who has been found guilty of killing another child or felony assault resulting in serious bodily injury to a child • Conviction of these crimes is a ground for TPR of surviving children

  6. 1996 CAPTA Reauthorization • Expedited TPR for “abandoned infants” • And… Establishment of Citizen Review Panels!

  7. Establishment of Citizen Review Panels (by July 1999) • 3 panels per state (some only need one) • Each panel has the responsibility to review compliance of state and local CPS agencies with respect to: • state CAPTA plan • Other criteria the panel considers important, which may include coordination with foster care and adoption programs and review of child fatalities and near fatalities

  8. Requirements for Citizen Review Panels • Composed of volunteer members that • are broadly representative of the community in which they are operating • include individuals with expertise in the prevention and treatment of CA/N • Include DCBS liaison • Meet at least quarterly • Examine policies and procedures and, where appropriate, specific cases of both state and local agencies • Maintain confidentiality • Prepare an annual report (by 12/31)

  9. Reporting procedures Screening and investigation Child safety steps Immunity for good faith reporting Confidentiality of records Public disclosure in fatalities and near fatalities Expedited TPR Cooperation of law enforcement, courts and state CPS agencies Expungement of records available to public Appointment of guardians ad litem Appeal of findings Provisions not requiring reunification in certain cases CPS Standards Subject to Review

  10. Intake and initial screening Investigation or assessment Case determination Service planing, implementation, and monitoring Case closure Crisis intervention; Emergency placement; Family stabilization Coordination of services Staff qualifications, training and workload Panel Can Examine Any of the Following Parts of the CPS System

  11. In-depth review of a small number of cases Broader review of cases Analysis of statewide data systems Review of agency policy and procedures Surveys Quality assurance reviews Focus groups or interviews of staff, consumers, service providers, mandated reporters, foster parents, others Others? Examples of Approaches and Sources of Information

  12. Kentucky Framework July, 2000: UK signs contract with Cabinet to hire coordinator

  13. Six Active Panels Lexington Louisville Mayfield Gateway/Buffalo Trace Statewide CRP Big Sandy

  14. Examples of What Panels Have Done Jefferson: Case Reviews, Surveys, Focus Groups Mayfield: Surveys of Workers Fayette: Focus Groups with DCBS staff and community

  15. Unique Opportunity • Unbiased citizen input • Citizens can be advocates (i.e., With legislators) • “Community partners”

  16. My Role • Provide logistical and technical support • Assist with training • Assist with recruiting • Assist with strategic planning • Act as liaison with Cabinet, other panels • Stay in touch with other states

  17. Your Role • Attend meetings • Remain unbiased in your evaluation • Assist with planning, then “keep group on track” • Some work in between monthly meetings • Maintain confidentiality

  18. What is available to you? • Me Money for regional training/workshops • Quarterly newsletter • Annual Recognition Dinner in Frankfort

  19. Never doubt that a small, dedicated group of citizens can make a difference. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has….. ~ Margaret Mead

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