CHILD WELFARE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES [LAWS 2001, CHAPTER 223] ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY DIVISION OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 CHILD WELFARE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Arizona Revised Statute §8-526, as amended by Laws 2001, Chapter 223 requires the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to compile information and produce a semi-annual report for the periods ending on March 31st and September 30th of each year regarding the Child Welfare Services program, including Child Protective Services (CPS). This report which is submitted in satisfaction of that mandate is for the semi-annual reporting period beginning on October 1, 2005 and ending on March 31, 2006. TABLE OF CONTENTS (Reporting period: October 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006) Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii REPORTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT Reports by category of child maltreatment – statewide data Reports by risk level- statewide data Communications not meeting definition of report Reports by risk level- county specific data Reports by type of child maltreatment – county specific data 2 2 3 5 6 INVESTIGATIONS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS Investigations by risk level and county – case closed after investigation Investigations by risk level and county – in-home services provided Investigations by risk level and county – out-of-home services provided 8 8 9 CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE New entries by county – petitioned through juvenile court New entries by county – voluntary foster care placements All children in care by age All children in care by ethnicity All children in care by case plan goal All children in care by placement type Children in shelter or receiving homes for more than 21 days Children in out-of-home care by length of time in care Children in out-of-home care by legal status Children receiving required visitation 10 11 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 FOSTER HOME LICENSING AND VISITATION ACTIVITY Foster homes licensed Foster homes closed Child bed spaces available Reason for foster home closure Number of foster home receiving the required visitation 18 18 18 18 19 CHILDREN LEAVING OUT-OF-HOME CARE i Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 Total number leaving care – For all reasons Total number leaving care – For reason of reunification with parents Total number leaving care – For reason of living with other relatives Total number leaving care – For reason of adoption Total number leaving care – For reason of guardianship Total number leaving care – For reason of reaching age of majority Total number leaving care – For reason of transfer to another agency Total number leaving care – For reason of runaway Total number leaving care – For reason of death of child CHILD WITH CASE PLAN GOALS OF ADOPTION Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – age Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – ethnicity Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – legal status Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – length of time in out-of-home placement before adoption placement ADOPTIVE SERVICES Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – length of time in adoptive placement before the final order of adoption Number of children with a finalized adoption by average length of time xxxxxxx in adoptive placement before the final order of adoption ii 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 31 32 33 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY S.B. 1229 OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 Arizona Revised Statute §8-526, as amended by Laws 2001, Chapter 223 requires the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to compile information semi-annually and produce a report for the periods ending on March 31st and September 30th of each year regarding the Child Welfare Service Program, including Child Protective Services (CPS). This semi-annual report, submitted in satisfaction of that mandate, is for the period of October 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006. It provides information about child abuse and neglect reports, investigations, substantiated investigations, type of services provided, shelter and foster home services, visitation compliance, children in out-of-home care, length of time in care, reason children have left care, children placed for adoption and Child Protective Services staff. During this reporting period, Child Protective Services Hotline received 17,756 reports of child abuse, neglect and abandonment. Of these reports, 197 were within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments and were referred to those jurisdictions. The Department responded to 100% of the remaining 17,559 reports. This response rate has been maintained by the Division since January, 1998. During the reporting period, an additional 12,236 communications were received by Child Protective Services Hotline that did not meet the criteria of a report. During the reporting period, there were 1,159 substantiated findings of abuse or neglect. In-home services were received in 813 of these cases, out-of-home services were received in 598 of these cases, and 328 of these cases were closed after investigation because the children were not found to be at imminent risk of abuse. For those cases closed after investigation, the families may have received short-term support services through DES or through referrals to community agencies. These services may include, but are not limited to, child care, parent aide, parenting classes, substance abuse and mental health services. In addition, these reports are not mutually exclusive, and may simultaneously receive in-home services, out-of-home services, as well as services through the community. On March 31, 2006, there were 9,902 children in out-of-home care in Arizona. Of the total number of children in out-of-home care, there were 3,417 children placed with relatives. Two thousand three hundred forty-five (2,345) children of the 9,902 in out-of-home care had a case plan goal of adoption, and 2,118 of the children with a case plan goal of adoption were placed in an adoptive home but the adoption had not yet been finalized. Four thousand eight hundred ninety-seven (4,897) children had a case plan goal of “Return to Family”. Seven thousand four hundred one (7,401 or 75%) of the total number of children had been in out-of home care for less than two years. For children who had been in out-of-home care longer than two years, each had a case plan goal developed to lead to permanency. At the end of the reporting period, 4,042 children were in family foster home settings. There were 2,207 licensed foster homes this reporting period. There were vacancies within these foster homes because not all of the spaces could be matched to the children needing foster home placements. There are many reasons why a child may not be able to use a particular foster home, iii Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 including the abilities and preferences of the foster family, the need to place the child near his or her family of origin for reunification purposes, and other special placement needs of the child. A.R.S. §8-516 requires supervision of foster care providers. Visitation must be done by a foster home licensing case manager once a month for receiving foster homes, and once every three months (quarterly) for regular and special foster homes. The required visitation was received by 1,833 (83%) of 2,207 foster homes this reporting period. A.R.S. §8-516 also requires supervision of children in foster care. During this reporting period, 9,902 children in out-of-home care required visitation by their Child Protective Services case manager. Visitation was accurately documented for 6,411 (65%) of these children. During the reporting period, 3,506 children left the care, custody and control of DES. The following are the reasons and the number of children who left care: 1,800 of the children were reunified with their parents or primary caretaker; 260 of the children reached the age of majority; 522 children left due to a legal guardianship being established; 147 of the children were placed with other relatives; 150 of the children were transferred to another agency; and 33 of the children left due to continued runaway behavior and the Department’s inability to locate these children. CPS cannot close a case of a child who is a ward of the court without approval from the Court for case dismissal. In addition, there were 586 children with finalized adoptions. iv Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 Semi-Annual Comparisons Number of Reports Number of Reports Substantiated1 Number of Reports Investigated Number of Reports Referred to Family Builders Number of Substantiated Investigations- with No Services After Investigation is Closed Number of Substantiated Investigations-In-Home Services Provided After Investigation is Closed Number of Substantiated Investigations-Out of Home Services Provided After Investigation is Closed Number of new removals Number of new removals with Voluntary under 18 Percentage of Annualized Turnover Rate of Staff Number of Children in Out-of-Home Care on the Last Day of Reporting Period Number of Children in Shelter for More than 21 Days Number and Percentage of Children Receiving Visitation In the Last Month of Reporting Period Number and Percentage of Children not Receiving Visitation Number and Percentage of Parents Receiving Visitation Number of Licensed Foster Homes Number of Foster Home Spaces Available to ACYF Number of New Foster Homes Number of Foster Homes Closed Number and Percentage of Foster Homes Receiving Visitation In the Last Qtr. Of Reporting Period Number and Percentage of Foster Homes not Receiving Visitation Number of Children Leaving DES Custody Number of Children With a Case Plan Goal of Adoption Number of Children With a Finalized Adoption Apr 2003– Sep 2003 Oct 2003 – Mar 2004 Apr 2004– Sep 2004 Oct 2004 Mar 2005 Apr 2005– Sep 2005 Oct 2005 – Mar 2006 18,680 2,299 (17%) 15,729 2,781 565 1,035 890 3,349 311 27.66% 7,535 1,323 4,890 (65%) 2,645 (35%) 851 (50%) 1,892 3,982 308 281 1,606 (85%) 286 (15%) 2,528 1,485 408 20,242 2,363 (15%) 17,428 2,628 570 1,188 986 3,504 256 N/A3 8,246 1,431 5,266 (64%) 2,980 (36%) 973 (51%) 2,007 3,691 334 219 1,774 (88%) 233 (12%) 2,655 1,629 380 19,165 2,157 (14%) 19,011 1,145 226 780 581 3,630 279 N/A 8,839 1,319 5,475 (62%) 3,364 (38%) 1,049 (50%) 2,191 4,044 410 197 1,723 (79%) 466 (21%) 2,883 1,893 373 18,839 1,734 (11%) 18,663 N/A2 316 943 706 3,617 118 N/A 9,536 1,127 6,506 (68%) 3,030 (32%) 1,255(56%) 2,267 5,020 400 410 1,791 (79%) 476 (21%) 2,726 2,044 430 18,797 1,677 (11%) 18,577 N/A 327 921 693 4,078 420 N/A 9,906 1,039 6,045 (61%) 3,861 (39%) 1,080 (48%) 2,288 4,905 397 258 1,672 (73%) 968 (42%) 3,488 2,170 570 17,756 1,159 (8%) 17,559 N/A 328 813 598 3,753 290 N/A 9,902 840 6,411 (65%) 3,491 (35%) 1,154 (52%) 2,207 5,668 328 295 1,833 (83%) 374 (17%) 3,506 2,345 586 1 Since the appeals process delays the substantiation of reports, revisions to the substantiation rate for the prior reporting period will occur with every semi-annual report produced. 2 Effective July 1, 2004 reports could no longer be dispositioned to the Family Builders program for investigation. 3 Effective with this report, the performance measure is now reported in the Child Protective Services Accountability Factors Report; pursuant to Laws 2003, 2nd special session, Chapter 6 (HB 2024). One of the impacts of HB 2024 was to eliminate redundancy in reporting performance measures and turnover rate is not required in the reporting of the Semi-Annual reporting requirements. v Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 Reports of Abuse & Neglect The categories of “child abuse or neglect” are defined in A.R.S. §8-201 and A.R.S. §133623(A). These definitions provide the major categories in this report. Between October 1, 2005 and March 31, 2006, there were 17,756 incoming communications to the Child Abuse Hotline which met the criteria of a report of abuse or neglect. Of these, 197 were within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments and were referred to those jurisdictions. This compares to 18,797 incoming communications received during the last reporting period which met the criteria of a report of abuse or neglect. As illustrated on the following page, the period covering October 1, 2005 and March 31, 2006, shows 10,592 or 60% of the 17,756 reports of maltreatment were related to allegations of neglect, 5,890 or 33% of the reports were related to allegations of physical abuse, 1,010 or 6% of the reports were related to allegations of sexual abuse, and 264 or 1% of the reports were related to allegations of emotional abuse. The second pie chart, on the following page, provides the number of reports received by report risk level for the October 1, 2005 and March 31, 2006 reporting period. Based on the type of maltreatment described in the report a risk level is assigned to the reports of alleged abuse. The pie chart shows 3,098 or 17% of the reports received were High Risk reports, 4,625 or 26% of the reports were Moderate Risk reports, 7,457 or 42% of the reports were classified as Low Risk reports, and 2,576 or 15% of the reports were Potential risk reports. Neglect Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Emotional Abuse Total April 2000 - September 2000 9,441 5,311 943 352 16,047 October 2000 - March 2001 9,395 5,668 952 379 16,394 April 2001 - September 2001 10,319 5,383 993 369 17,064 October 2001 – March 2002 10,130 5,995 947 432 17,504 April 2002 - September 2002 10,196 5,515 1,055 338 17,104 October 2002 – March 2003 10,299 5,745 1,052 374 17,470 April 2003 - September 2003 11,314 5,864 1,119 383 18,680 October 2003 – March 2004 11,978 6,695 1,164 405 20,242 April 2004 - September 2004 11,604 6,028 1,178 355 19,165 October 2004 – March 2005 10,950 6,504 1,112 273 18,839 April 2005 - September 2005 11,282 6,139 1,135 241 18,797 October 2005 – March 200 10,592 5,890 1,010 264 17,756 1 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY CATEGORY OF MALTREATMENT FOR PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 1,010 6% Sexual Abuse 264 1% Emotional Abuse 10,592 60% Neglect 5,890 33% Physical Abuse NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY RISK LEVEL FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 7,457 42% Low Risk 2,576 15% Potential Risk 4,625 26% Moderate Risk 3,098 17% High Risk N=17,756 *Reports that are categorized as No Jurisdiction are included in the total for reports received. 2 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 In addition to the 17,756 reports during the current reporting period, the Child Abuse Hotline received 12,336 communications that did not meet the statutory criteria of a report of maltreatment. A random sample of these communications is contained in the chart below. SAMPLE OF COMMUNICATIONS TO THE CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE THAT DO NOT MEET THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS OF A REPORT OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT 80 Number of Communications 70 60 70% 60 50 40 19 21% 30 20 4 4% 10 4 4% 2 2% E F 1 1% 0 0% 0 A B C D Categories G N=90 A = Concern Only/No Allegation of Child Abuse or Neglect B = Out of CPS Jurisdiction C = Call Appropriate for Law Enforcement Jurisdiction4 D = Non-Caretaker Neglect/Child No Longer at Risk E = Insufficient Information F = Truancy/Custody Issues G = Current Case Questions or Referrals All communications that do not meet the statutory requirements for a field investigation of abuse or neglect are reviewed within forty-eight (48) hours by DES Quality Assurance staff. 4 The category “Call Appropriate for Law Enforcement Jurisdiction” refers to a situation where the alleged perpetrator is not a parent or primary caretaker and the allegations, if true, would constitute a crime. 3 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 Child Protective Services: Investigations On January 1, 1998 the Department implemented the Family Builders Program, a community based program operating in Maricopa and Pima counties, designed to provide services to families who are the subject of selected low risk and potential risk reports. On October 4, 1999 Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties implemented the Family Builders program. On November 17, 1999 Graham, Greenlee, Cochise, and Santa Cruz counties implemented the Family Builders program. As a result of budget reductions, on January 1, 2002, the Family Builders program was eliminated from Graham, Cochise, Apache and Santa Cruz counties. In addition, the program was reduced in Coconino and Yavapai counties Investigation data for the current reporting period: • 17,756 reports appropriate for investigation • 197 reports fell within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments • 17,559 reports investigated by CPS • 100% response rate achieved for period The following tables display investigations by risk level, category of maltreatment, and county. The numbers displayed in the tables include reports that fall within the jurisdiction of military or tribalxgovernments. 4 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY FOR PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL HIGH 13 59 77 40 8 4 16 1,893 100 78 456 165 25 63 101 3,098 17% MODERATE 31 135 117 4 21 3 14 2,591 184 83 851 238 19 19 123 4,625 26% LOW 33 202 175 80 40 9 21 4,069 5 130 1,597 336 52 255 193 7,457 42% POTENTIAL 8 59 47 24 1 1 9 1,466 99 44 509 125 13 97 59 2,576 15% TOTAL 85 455 416 190 85 17 60 10,019 48 335 3,413 864 109 584 476 17,756 100% % OF TOTAL <1% 3% 2% 1% <1% <1% <1% 56% 4% 2% 19% 5% 1% 3% 3% 100% NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY TYPE OF MALTREATMENT AND COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL EMOTIONAL ABUSE 0 7 3 2 4 1 1 120 4 5 66 13 0 8 7 241 1% NEGLECT 64 302 258 154 64 20 42 6,306 490 242 1,941 604 52 431 312 11,282 60% PHYSICAL ABUSE 20 177 138 52 28 8 20 3,526 208 77 1,227 312 40 185 121 6,139 33% 5 SEXUAL ABUSE 5 21 24 15 7 1 5 624 42 21 237 62 2 45 24 1,135 6% TOTAL % OF TOTAL 89 507 423 223 103 30 68 10,576 744 345 3,471 991 94 669 464 18,797 100% <1% 3% 2% 1% 1% <1% <1% 56% 4% 2% 18% 5% 1% 4% 2% 100% Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY TYPE OF MALTREATMENT AND COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL EMOTIONAL ABUSE 2 6 4 3 1 0 0 114 11 7 74 12 0 21 9 264 1% NEGLECT 50 267 247 125 57 7 49 6,006 404 194 1,901 547 59 360 319 10,592 60% PHYSICAL ABUSE 26 155 134 57 25 9 11 3,346 192 114 1,240 246 46 163 126 5,890 33% SEXUAL ABUSE 7 27 31 5 2 1 0 553 41 20 198 59 4 40 22 1,010 6% TOTAL % OF TOTAL 85 455 416 190 85 17 60 10,019 648 335 3,413 864 109 584 476 17,756 100% <1% 3% 2% 1% <1% <1% <1% 56% 4% 2% 19% 5% 1% 3% 3% 100% NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY FOR PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL HIGH 27 79 89 44 7 9 21 2,073 124 88 440 202 26 91 99 3,419 18% MODERATE 23 157 106 68 34 5 20 2,919 219 83 966 279 17 198 132 5,226 28% 6 LOW 26 213 171 77 46 14 20 4,081 310 127 1,486 375 36 276 158 7,416 39% POTENTIAL 13 58 57 34 16 2 7 1,503 91 47 579 135 15 104 75 2,736 15% TOTAL 89 507 423 223 103 30 68 10,576 744 345 3,471 991 94 669 464 18,797 100% % OF TOTAL <1% 3% 2% 1% 1% <1% <1% 56% 4% 2% 18% 5% 1% 4% 2% 100% Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 SUBSTANTIATED INVESTIGATIONS During the reporting period 15,003 reports were investigated and subject to substantiation, with 8% or 1,159 of the reports resulting in a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect.5 This compares to a revised substantiation rate of 11%, or 1,677 reports, for the period of April 2005 through September 2005. In addition, during the reporting period, October 2005 through March 2006, there were 202 reports that have been proposed to be substantiated and are waiting to proceed through the appeal process. The substantiation rate is revised to take into account the increase in substantiated reports that have cleared the appeals process, as well as the change in the substantiation methodology. The substantiation methodology is calculated by dividing the number of substantiated investigations by the total number of investigations. Reports categorized as “potential”, reports referred to the Family Builders program and reports in the “no jurisdiction” category are not calculated into the substantiation rate. Since the appeals process delays the substantiation of reports, revisions to the substantiation rate for the prior reporting period will occur with every semi-annual report produced. Therefore, the 8% substantiation rate for this period will be revised in the next report. The following three tables show the number of substantiated CPS investigations by county and risk level. Of the reports with substantiated findings that were closed after investigation, one or more of the following actions took place: the parent(s) refused services6; appropriate referrals to community providers were made; or short-term services, such as child care, parent aide, parenting classes, substance abuse treatment or mental health services were provided. The report risk level is determined by the highest risk level allegation in a report, in which at least one allegation is substantiated. However, this does not necessarily reflect the risk level of the substantiated allegation. 5 As of January 25, 1999 the Department does not substantiate potential risk reports. 6 A.R.S. §8-803 provides that the Department has “no legal authority to compel the family to cooperate with the investigation or to receive protective services offered pursuant to the investigation.” 7 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER OF INVESTIGATIONS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS IN WHICH THE 7 CASE WAS CLOSED AFTER INVESTIGATION BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL HIGH MODERATE LOW POTENTIAL TOTAL % OF TOTAL 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 21 2 5 16 4 2 2 5 60 18% 2 8 4 2 0 0 0 42 2 2 43 3 1 4 4 117 36% 0 5 1 3 0 0 0 61 3 2 54 10 2 5 5 151 46% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 2 13 7 6 0 0 0 124 7 9 113 17 5 11 4 328 100% 1% 4% 2% 2% 0% 0% 0% 38% 2% 3% 34% 5% 2% 3% 4% 100% NUMBER OF INVESTIGATIONS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS AFTER INVESTIGATION IN WHICH IN-HOME SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY RISK LEVEL AND BY COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL 7 HIGH MODERATE LOW POTENTIAL TOTAL % OF TOTAL 2 13 10 6 2 0 2 108 8 12 112 13 2 16 12 318 39% 3 19 15 2 2 0 2 92 4 3 82 11 0 19 7 261 32% 0 15 12 2 1 1 0 89 3 4 80 4 2 16 5 234 29% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 5 47 37 10 5 1 4 289 15 19 274 28 4 51 24 813 100% 1% 6% 5% 1% 1% <1% <1% 36% 2% 2% 34% 3% <1% 6% 3% 100% The reports in Tables 3 through 5 are not mutually exclusive. The reports may simultaneously receive in-home services, out-of-home services, as well as services through the community. 8 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER OF REPORTS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS IN WHICH OUT-OF-HOME SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY RISK LEVEL AND BY COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL HIGH MODERATE LOW POTENTIAL TOTAL % OF TOTAL 3 14 10 4 2 0 2 85 7 12 108 13 2 15 8 285 47% 3 12 10 1 2 0 1 51 4 2 68 8 0 16 5 183 31% 0 10 6 2 0 0 0 29 1 2 64 3 0 11 2 130 22% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 6 36 26 7 4 0 3 165 12 16 240 24 2 42 15 598 100% 1% 6% 4% 1% 1% 0% 1% 28% 2% 3% 40% 4% <1% 7% 3% 100% 9 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 CHILDREN ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE During the reporting period October 2005 through March 2006, 3,753 children were removed from their home for some period of time. The table below shows the new removals for the period by county. There was one newborn infant delivered to Safe Haven providers during the October 2005 – March 2006 reporting period. This compares to four infants being delivered to Safe Haven Providers during the April 2005 – September 2005 reporting period. NUMBER OF CHILDREN ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 30, 2006 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE NUMBER OF CHILDREN 26 107 79 36 20 5 7 1,954 72 74 899 211 17 159 87 3,753 % OF TOTAL 1% 3% 2% 1% 1% <1% <1% 52% 2% 2% 24% 6% <1% 4% 2% 100% The following table shows the children, under the age of 18, who entered the foster care system through a voluntary placement by county for the current reporting period. Voluntary foster care may be provided when the parents or legal guardians of a child have requested such assistance, and have signed a legally binding written agreement not to exceed ninety days, for the temporary placement of the child in foster care while risk factors are addressed to enable the child to live safely at home. A voluntary foster care agreement may be utilized only when it is likely that the circumstances that brought the child into foster care are likely to be remedied within the ninety day period of time. A.R.S. §8-806 authorizes the Department to provide voluntary foster care placement for children for a period not to exceed 90 days and no more than two periods within twenty-four consecutive months. 10 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER OF CHILDREN UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE DUE TO A VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT BY COUNTY FOR PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE NUMBER OF CHILDREN 5 1 8 0 0 0 5 172 27 12 26 8 5 14 7 290 11 % OF TOTAL 2% <1% 3% 0% 0% 0% 2% 59% 9% 4% 9% 3% 2% 5% 2% 100% Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 DIRECT CLIENT SERVICES POSITIONS There were 103 authorized Child Protective Services Specialist positions vacant on March 31, 2006. VACANCIES BY REPORTING PERIOD 200 APR04-SEP04 185 NUMBER OF VACANCIES 180 160 140 OCT05-MAR06 103 120 100 APR02-SEP02 70.5 80 20 0 OCT04-MAR05 107 APR01-SEP01 39 60 40 APR03-SEP03 65 APR00-SEP00 18 OCT01-MAR02 54 OCT00-MAR01 4 OCT02-MAR03 47 12 OCT03-MAR04 54 APR05-SEP05 44 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE On March 31, 2006, there were 9,902 children in out-of-home care. During the reporting period of October 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006 there were 3,753 children removed from their home for some period of time. THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY AGE 4000 3,346 34% 3,398 34% 3500 2,653 27% 3000 Number of Children 2,734 28% 2500 2000 1,334 13% 1500 749 8% 1000 1,339 14% 1,450 15% 1,442 15% 703 7% 322 3% 338 3% 500 0 Under 1 1-5 6-8 9-12 13-17 18 and Over Ages of Children September 30, 2005, N=9,906 March 31, 2006, N=9,902 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY ETHNICITY 6,000 Number of Children 5,000 4,299 43% 4,388 44% 3,381 34% 4,000 3,339 34% 3,000 2,000 1,187 1,147 12% 12% 696 7% 681 7% 1,000 62 1% 75 1% 281 3% 272 3% 0 White Hispanic African Am Am Indian Asian Ethnicity September 30, 2005, N=9,906 March 31, 2006, N=9,902 13 Other Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY CASE PLAN GOAL 6,000 5,500 4,994 51% 5,000 4,944 50% Number of Children 4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,179 22% 2,500 2,345 24% 2,000 1,183 12% 1,500 1,000 415 4% 500 429 4% 346 3% 1,196 12% 639 6% 420 4% 67 1% 73 1% 578 6% 0 Return to Family Live With Other Relatives Adoption Long Term Foster Independent Living Care Guardianship Case Plan Goal Being Developed Case Plan Goals September 30, 2005, N=9,906 March 31, 2006, N=9,902 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY PLACEMENT TYPE 5,000 4,042 41% 4,500 Number of Children 4,000 3,500 3,431 35% 3,417 35% 3,806 39% 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,328 13% 1,500 1,235 12% 708 7% 1,000 607 6% 500 235 2% 250 3% 272 3% 288 3% 126 1% 63 1% 0 Relative Family Foster Home* Group Home Residential Treatment Independent Living Runaway Out-of-Home Placement Types September 30, 2005, N=9,906 March 31, 2006, N=9,902 * Category includes some relative placements. 14 Trial Home Visit Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 During the reporting period, 840 children remained in a shelter or receiving home for more than 21 consecutive days. (See Chart Below) For the period of October 2005 through March 2006, 545 or 65% of the children were six years of age or older. In addition, 23 or 3% of the children were under one year. NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN IN SHELTER OR RECEIVING HOMES FOR MORE THAN 21 CONSECUTIVE DAYS BY AGE OF CHILD 800 Number of Children 700 600 500 354 34% 400 311 30% 272 32% 300 165 16% 200 100 39 4% 132 16% 156 15% 280 33% 112 13% 23 3% 14 1% 21 3% 0 Under 1 year 1-5 6-8 9-12 13-17 18 and over Ages of Children September 30, 2005, N=1,039 March 31, 2006, N=840 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY LENGTH OF TIME IN CARE 6000 4,649 47% Number of Children 5000 4,509 46% 4000 2,360 24% 3000 2,409 24% 2,501 25% 2,304 23% 2000 1000 593 6% 483 5% 0 30 days or less 31 days to 12 months 13 to 24 months More than 24 months Length of Time in Out-of-Home Care September 30, 2005, N=9,906 March 31, 2006, N=9,902 15 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY LEGAL STATUS 5,000 4,500 4,057 41% 4,282 43% 3,764 38% Number of Children 4,000 3,500 3,439 35% 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,150 12% 1,500 1,274 13% 1,000 491 5% 536 5% 500 167 2% 120 1% 182 2% 145 1% 24 21 <1% <1% 74 1% 82 1% 0 Adjudicated Dependent Only Legally Free for Adoption Temporary Custody Partially Free for Adoption Voluntary Placement Under 18 Voluntary Placement Over 18 Dually Adjudicated Other Legal Status September 30, 2005, N=9,906 March 31, 2006, N=9,902 At the end of the reporting period there were 9,902 children in out-of-home care who required visitation. Of these children, visitation was accurately documented in the automated system for 6,411 children or 65%. The required child visitation is performed monthly by DES case managers, contracted case managers, and/or other professionals as approved by supervisor or as established by policy. The Department has verified that more children received the required visitation than is indicated in the chart below, which displays the number of children receiving the required visitation. This information is clearly documented in the automated case notes. However, the Department is unable to compile and tabulate data based solely upon case note text. We continue to issue instructions to all direct service staff regarding the system requirements for capturing all visitations. A child was deemed to have received the required visitation if the child received the visitation during the last month of the reporting period. 16 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO RECEIVED THE REQUIRED VISITATION 8,000 7,000 Number of Children 6,000 6,411 65% 6,045 61% 3,861 39% 5,000 3,491 35% 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Number Visited Number Not Visited September 2005, N=9,906 March 2005, N=9,902 According to ACYF policy, case managers shall have face-to-face contact with all parents at least once a month, including any alleged parents and parents residing outside of the child’s home where the case plan goal is family reunification or remain with family. During the reporting period there were 2,213 parents who had a child with the case plan goal of return home. Of those parents requiring the visitation, 1,154 or 52% received the required visitation. The 52% visitation rate does not reflect attempted visitation where contact did not take place. 17 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 FOSTER HOMES As of March 31, 2006 there were 2,207 licensed foster homes with 5,668 spaces available for Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) placements. Licensed foster homes include family foster homes, professional family foster homes, respite foster homes, and receiving foster homes. Foster home licenses specify the age range, gender and maximum number of children that can be placed in a home. Foster parents, in consultation with the licensing worker, decide the type of physical, behavioral and psychological needs of children they can effectively parent based upon their own skill level, experiences and desires. As of March 31, 2006 there were 1,893 unused spaces within these foster homes. Approximately 1,196 of the 1,893 spaces were unavailable or set aside for receiving and respite care services. Of the unused spaces, a match between the available spaces and children’s needs was not possible. During the reporting period, 328 new homes were licensed to provide foster care and 295 homes left the system. This compares to 397 new homes being licensed and 258 homes leaving the system for the period covering April 2005 through September 2005. The chart below gives the reasons for foster home closures for the period of October 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006. REASON FOR FOSTER HOME CLOSURE FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2005 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 Number of Foster Homes 250 200 150 100 96 33% 73 25% 59 20% 10 3% 50 25 8% 14 5% 18 6% 0 0% 0 0% H I 0 A B C D E F G Closure Reasons N= 295 A = Personal or Family Issues or Problems E = Family Relocation B = Other or Foster Parent Did Not State Reason F = Child Left Care C = Non-Compliance with Licensing Requirements G = Philosophical Disagreement D = Adoption of Foster Child H = Behavior of Child I = Transfer to Division of Developmental Disabilities 18 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 During the reporting period, there were 2,207 foster homes that required visitation. Of those homes, 1,833 or 83% received the required visitation. This compares to 1,672 or 73% of the foster homes that received the required visitation for the period April 2005 through September 2005. The Department believes that more foster homes received the required visitation than is indicated in the chart below. The under reporting of foster home visitation is attributable to the lack of automation being used in reporting the foster home visitation process. The Department recognizes this as a problem and is working to correct this issue. THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF FOSTER HOMES WHO RECEIVED THE REQUIRED VISITATION* 2,500 Number of Homes 2,000 1,833 83% 1,672 73% 1,500 616 27% 1,000 374 17% 500 0 Number Visited Number Not Visited April 2005-September 2005, N=2,288 October 2005-March 2006, N=2,207 *Required visitations to foster homes, for license monitoring purposes, are performed by licensing case managers. 19 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 CHILDREN EXITING OUT-OF-HOME CARE During the reporting period 3,506 children left the custody of the Department. This compares to 3,488 children exiting care during the prior reporting period. The comparison between the two reporting periods shows that <1% more children left care this reporting, compared to last. CHILDREN DISCHARGED BY PERIOD NUMBER OF CHILDREN DISCHARGED 2,598 2,337 2,394 2,417 2,376 2,275 2,528 2,655 2,883 2,726 3,488 3,506 APRIL 2000 – SEPTEMBER 2000 OCTOBER 2000 – MARCH 2000 APRIL 2001 – SEPTEMBER 2001 OCTOBER 2001 – MARCH 2002 APRIL 2002 – SEPTEMBER 2002 OCTOBER 2002 – MARCH 2003 APRIL 2003 – SEPTEMBER 2003 OCTOBER 2003 – MARCH 2004 APRIL 2004 – SEPTEMBER 2004 OCTOBER 2004 – MARCH 2005 APRIL 2004 – SEPTEMBER 2004 OCTOBER 2004 – MARCH 2005 % CHANGE OVER PRIOR PERIOD +11% -10% +2% +1% -2% -4% +11% +5% +9% -5% +28% +<1% The following nine tables depict the children who exited out-of-home care by the reason for leaving care. The tables display the following information: reasons the child left custody, their age, their ethnicity, the number of placements each child had, the length of time in out-of-home care. 20 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING ON MARCH 31, 2006 By Age Number 247 1,231 503 535 733 257 3,506 Percentage 7% 35% 14% 15% 21% 7% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 1,369 1,215 433 323 37 129 3,506 Percentage 39% 35% 12% 9% 1% 4% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 1,901 701 367 176 106 255 3,506 Percentage 54% 20% 10% 5% 3% 7% 100% By Length of Time in Care Less than 30 Days 31 Days to 12 Months 13 to 24 Months More than 24 Months Total Number 1,057 1,023 719 707 3,506 Percentage 30% 29% 21% 20% 100% Under 1 Ages 1 - 5 Ages 6 – 8 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 13 - 17 18 and Over Total By Age By Number of Placements By Months of Time in Care Median 7.49 1.00 8.82 Average 8.55 2.35 14.39 21 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “REUNIFICATION WITH PARENTS OR PRIMARY CARETAKER” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2006 By Age Number 178 607 266 284 461 4 1,800 Percentage 9% 34% 15% 16% 26% <1% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 722 601 218 152 28 79 1,800 Percentage 40% 33% 12% 9% 2% 4% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 1,089 352 152 60 38 109 1,800 Percentage 60% 19% 9% 3% 2% 6% 100% By Length of Time in Care Less than 30 Days 31 Days to 12 Months 13 to 24 Months More than 24 Months Total Number 767 680 285 68 1,800 Percentage 42% 38% 16% 4% 100% Under 1 Ages 1 – 5 Ages 6 – 8 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 13 - 17 18 and Over Total By Age By Number of Placements By Months of Time in Care Median 7.18 1.00 1.97 Average 8.05 1.68 6.22 22 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “LIVING WITH OTHER RELATIVES” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2006 By Age Number 9 38 23 37 40 0 147 Percentage 6% 26% 16% 25% 27% 0% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 50 67 17 7 1 5 147 Percentage 34% 46% 12% 5% <1% 3% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 125 10 2 0 0 10 147 Percentage 85% 7% 1% 0% 0% 7% 100% By Length of Time in Care Less than 30 Days 31 Days to 12 Months 13 to 24 Months More than 24 Months Total Number 122 20 4 1 147 Percentage 83% 14% 3% <1% 100% Under 1 Ages 1 - 5 Ages 6 – 8 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 13 - 17 18 and Over Total By Age By Number of Placements By Months of Time in Care Median 9.36 1.00 13 Average 8.90 1.11 1.32 23 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “ADOPTION” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2006 By Age Number 10 342 104 91 38 1 586 Percentage 2% 58% 18% 16% 6% 0% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 246 211 77 37 3 12 586 Percentage 42% 36% 13% 6% 1% 2% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 155 163 122 55 35 56 586 Percentage 26% 28% 21% 9% 6% 10% 100% By Length of Time in Care Less than 30 Days 31 Days to 12 Months 13 to 24 Months More than 24 Months Total Number 1 23 166 396 586 Percentage <1% 4% 28% 68% 100% Under 1 Ages 1 - 5 Ages 6 – 8 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 13 - 17 18 and Over Total By Age By Number of Placements By Months of Time in Care Median 4.88 2.00 27.85 Average 5.91 2.93 30.62 24 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “GUARDIANSHIP” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2006 By Age Number 31 176 97 105 112 1 522 Percentage 6% 34% 19% 20% 21% <1% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 170 219 54 53 4 22 522 Percentage 33% 42% 10% 10% 1% 4% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 317 103 41 28 12 21 522 Percentage 61% 20% 8% 5% 2% 4% 100% By Length of Time in Care Less than 30 Days 31 Days to 12 Months 13 to 24 Months More than 24 Months Total Number 89 178 201 54 522 Percentage 17% 34% 39% 10% 100% Under 1 Ages 1 - 5 Ages 6 – 8 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 13 - 17 18 and Over Total By Age By Number of Placements By Months of Time in Care Median 7.46 1.00 12.88 Average 8.11 1.77 12.83 25 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASONS OF “REACHING AGE OF MAJORITY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2006 By Age Number 0 0 0 0 15 245 260 Percentage 0% 0% 0% 0% 6% 94% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 127 69 41 17 0 6 260 Percentage 49% 27% 16% 6% 0% 2% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 28 28 32 24 16 132 260 Percentage 11% 11% 12% 9% 6% 51% 100% By Length of Time in Care Less than 30 Days 31 Days to 12 Months 13 to 24 Months More than 24 Months Total Number 5 38 46 171 260 Percentage 2% 15% 18% 65% 100% Under 1 Ages 1 - 5 Ages 6 – 8 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 13 - 17 18 and Over Total By Age By Number of Placements By Months of Time in Care Median 18.00 6.00 35.84 Average 18.43 7.68 49.13 26 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “TRANSFER TO ANOTHER AGENCY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2006 By Age Number 16 64 13 18 37 2 150 Percentage 11% 42% 9% 12% 25% <1% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 42 34 17 53 1 3 150 Percentage 28% 23% 11% 36% <1% 2% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 71 39 17 8 4 11 150 Percentage 48% 26% 11% 5% 3% 7% 100% By Length of Time in Care Less than 30 Days 31 Days to 12 Months 13 to 24 Months More than 24 Months Total Number 48 72 15 15 150 Percentage 32% 48% 10% 10% 100% Under 1 Ages 1 - 5 Ages 6 – 8 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 13 - 17 18 and Over Total By Age By Number of Placements By Months of Time in Care Median 5.13 2.00 5.26 Average 7.53 2.14 9.35 27 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “RUNAWAY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2006 By Age Number 0 0 0 0 29 4 33 Percentage 0% 0% 0% 0% 88% 12% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 10 11 7 3 0 2 33 Percentage 30% 34% 21% 9% 0% 6% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 26 2 1 1 0 3 33 Percentage 79% 6% 3% 3% 0% 9% 100% By Length of Time in Care Less than 30 Days 31 Days to 12 Months 13 to 24 Months More than 24 Months Total Number 24 6 1 2 33 Percentage 73% 18% 3% 6% 100% Under 1 Ages 1 - 5 Ages 6 – 8 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 13 - 17 18 and Over Total By Age By Number of Placements By Months of Time in Care Median 16.40 1.00 1.00 Average 16.42 2.03 5.68 28 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “DEATH OF CHILD” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2006 By Age Number 3 4 0 0 1 0 8 Percentage 38 50 0 0 12 0 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 2 3 2 1 0 0 8 Percentage 25 38 25 12 0 0 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 3 4 0 0 1 0 8 Percentage 38 50 0 0 12 0 100% By Length of Time in Care Less than 30 Days 31 Days to 12 Months 13 to 24 Months More than 24 Months Total Number 1 6 1 0 8 Percentage 12 76 12 0 100% Under 1 Ages 1 - 5 Ages 6 – 8 Ages 9 - 12 Ages 13 - 17 18 and Over Total By Age By Number of Placements By Months of Time in Care Median 1.74 2.00 3.16 Average 3.77 2.43 5.39 Of the eight children who exited the foster care system for reason of death, four were attributable to child abuse or neglect. 29 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 CHILDREN WITH ADOPTIVE CASE PLAN GOALS The average length of time that a child with a case plan goal of “adoption” has spent in out-ofhome care is 2 years, 3 months. THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY AGE 1400 1,133 53% Number of Children 1200 1000 800 439 21% 600 352 17% 400 200 43 2% 53 23% 3 1% 79 35% 44 19% 149 7% 48 21% 2 <1% 0 0% 0 Under 1 1-5 6-8 9-12 13-17 18 and Over Ages of Children Placed, N=2,118 Not Placed, N=227 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY ETHNICITY 1200 Number of Children 1000 914 43% 778 37% 800 600 400 121 53% 200 241 11% 5 25% 31 14% 121 6% 7 3% 9 <1% 3 1% 55 3% 9 4% 0 White Hispanic African Am. Am. Indian Asian Ethnicity Placed, N=2,118 Not Placed, N=227 30 Other Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY LEGAL STATUS 1400 Number of Children 1200 1,148 54% 1000 800 505 24% 465 22% 600 400 126 56% 200 70 31% 31 14% 0 Legally Free Not Free Partially Free* Legal Status Placed, N=2,118 Not Placed, N=227 *Partially free refers to a situation where only one of the parent’s rights has been severed. THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN BY LENGTH OF TIME FROM CHANGE OF CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION TO ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT 1,600 Number of Children 1,400 1,288 60% 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 86 4% 200 147 7% 249 12% 219 10% 6 to 12 months 1 to 2 years 85 4% 64 3% 2 to 3 years 3 or more years 0 Less than 1 month* 1 to 3 months 3 to 6 months Length of Time Placed, N=2,118 *About 70% of children are adopted by relatives or their foster parents and are already in their prospective adoptive placement at the time the case plan goal changes to adoption. 31 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 ADOPTIVE SERVICES There were 586 children with a finalized adoption during the reporting period. The chart below displays the number of children with a finalized adoption during the reporting period by the average length of time in out-of-home placement before adoptive placement. THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WITH A FINALIZED ADOPTION BY AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME IN OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT BEFORE ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT 500 450 Number of Children 400 383 68% 387 66% 350 300 250 200 114 20% 150 102 17% 100 25 4% 50 47 8% 48 8% 50 9% 0 Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 2 to 3 years More than 3 years Length of Time April 2005-September 2005, N=570 October 2005-March 2006, N=586 32 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 The chart below displays the number of children with a finalized adoption by average length of time in adoptive placement before the final order of adoption. THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WITH A FINALIZED ADOPTION BY AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME IN ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT BEFORE THE FINAL ORDER OF ADOPTION 300 260 45% 263 45% Number of Children 250 200 167 29% 165 28% 150 100 18% 104 18% 100 43 8% 50 54 9% 0 Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 2 to 3 years More than 3 years Length of Time April 2005-September 2005, N=570 October 2005-March 2006, N=586 *About 70% of children are adopted by relatives or their foster parents and are already in their prospective adoptive placement at the time the case plan goal changes to adoption. 33