CHILD WELFARE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 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 April 1, 2003 – September 30, 2003 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 April 1, 2003 and ending on September 30, 2003 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Reporting period: April 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003) Page iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 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 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 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 CHILDREN LEAVING OUT-OF-HOME CARE i 8 8 9 10 11 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 18 18 18 18 19 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 – September 30, 2003 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 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 April 1, 2003 – September 30, 2003 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY S.B. 1229 APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 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 April 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003. 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 18,680 reports of child abuse, neglect and abandonment. Of these reports, 170 were within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments and were referred to those jurisdictions. The Department and Family Builders contracted providers responded to 100% of the remaining 18,510 reports. This response rate has been maintained by the Division since January, 1998. During the reporting period, an additional 9,979 communications were received by Child Protective Services Hotline that did not meet the criteria of a report. During the reporting period, there were 1,669 substantiated findings of abuse or neglect. In-home services were received in 1,035 of these cases, out-of-home services were received in 890 of these cases, and 565 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 September 30, 2003, there were 7,535 children in out-of-home care in Arizona. Of the total number of children in out-of-home care, there were 2,326 children placed with relatives. One thousand six hundred ninety-nine (1,699) children of the 7,535 in out-of-home care had a case plan goal of adoption, and 1,207 of the children with a case plan goal of adoption were placed in an adoptive home but the adoption had not yet been finalized. Three thousand seven hundred forty (3,740) children had a case plan goal of “Return to Family”. Five thousand six hundred nineteen (5,619 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, 2,570 children were in family foster home settings. There were 1,892 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, including the abilities and iii Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 – September 30, 2003 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 1,606 (85%) of 1,892 foster homes this reporting period. A.R.S. §8-516 also requires supervision of children in foster care. During this reporting period, 7,535 children in out-of-home care required visitation by their Child Protective Services case manager. Visitation was accurately documented for 4,890 (65%) of these children. During the reporting period, 2,528 children left the care, custody and control of DES. The following are the reasons and the number of children who left care: 1,298 of the children were reunified with their parents or primary caretaker; 203 of the children reached the age of majority; 326 children left due to a legal guardianship being established; 155 of the children were placed with other relatives; 106 of the children were transferred to another agency; and 31 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 408 children with finalized adoptions. iv Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 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 the Investigation is Closed Number of Substantiated Investigations-In-Home Services Provided After the Investigation is Closed Number of Substantiated Investigations-Out of Home Provided Services After the 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 the Reporting Period Number of Children in Shelter for More than 21 Days Number and Percentage of Children Receiving Visitation During the Last Month of the 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 During the Last Quarter of the 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 1 Oct 2000 Mar 2001 16,394 1,850 (17%) 12,123 4,172 548 682 545 Apr 2001 Sep 2001 17,064 1,967 (17%) 12,673 4,284 600 847 695 Oct 2001 Mar 2002 17,504 1,801 (15%) 13,848 3,527 538 874 717 Apr 2002– Sep 2002 17,104 1,839 (15%) 14,330 2,644 459 828 676 Oct 2002 – Mar 2003 17,470 1,924 (15%) 14,634 2,691 306 721 662 Apr 2003– Sep 2003 18,680 1,669 (12%) 15,729 2,781 565 1,035 890 N/A N/A 22.42% 6,254 926 4,449 (71%) 1,805 (29%) 665 (60%) 1,788 4,272 182 204 1,546 (86%) 242 (14%) 2,337 1,689 455 2,387 N/A 21.58% 6,121 959 4,152 (68%) 1,969 (32%) 639 (56%) 1,792 4,211 196 192 1,359 (76%) 433 (24%) 2,394 1,552 467 2,501 306 21.58% 6,104 1,028 4,224 (69%) 1,880 (31%) 676 (58%) 1,756 3,683 149 183 1,399 (80%) 357 (20%) 2,417 1,450 413 2,655 294 N/A 6,270 1,098 4,249 (68%) 2,021 (32%) 772 (56%) 1,778 3,731 217 195 1,604 (90%) 174 (10%) 2,376 1,666 364 2,961 332 23.5% 6,826 1,300 4,656 (68%) 3,349 311 27.66 7,535 1,323 4,890 (65%) 2,645 (35%) 851 (50%) 1,892 4,975 308 281 1,606 (85%) 286 (15%) 2,528 1,485 408 2,170 (32%) 858 (55%) 1,865 3,923 283 196 1,695 (91%) 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. v 170 (9%) 2,275 1,459 398 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 Reports of Abuse & Neglect The categories of “child abuse or neglect” are defined in A.R.S. §8-201 and A.R.S. §13-3623(A). These definitions provide the major categories in this report. Between April 1, 2003 and September 30, 2003, there were 18,680 incoming communications to the Child Abuse Hotline which met the criteria of a report of abuse or neglect. Of these, 170 were within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments and were referred to those jurisdictions. This compares to 17,470 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 April 2003 through September 2003 shows 11,314 or 61% of the 18,680 reports of maltreatment were related to allegations of neglect, 5,864 or 31% of the reports were related to allegations of physical abuse, 1,119 or 6% of the reports were related to allegations of sexual abuse, and 383 or 2% 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 April 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003 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 3,271 or 18% of the reports received were High Risk reports, 5,117 or 27% of the reports were Moderate Risk reports, 7,229 or 39% of the reports were classified as Low Risk reports, and 3,063 or 16% 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 1 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY CATEGORY OF MALTREATMENT PERIOD APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 FOR 383 2% Emotional Abuse 1,119 6% Sexual Abuse 11,314 61% Neglect 5,864 31% Physical Abuse NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY RISK LEVEL FOR THE PERIOD THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 7,229 39% Low Risk APRIL 1, 2003 3,063 16% Potential Risk 5,117 27% Moderate Risk 3,271 18% High Risk N=18,680 *Reports that are categorized as No Jurisdiction are included in the total for reports received. 2 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 In addition to the 18,680 reports during the current reporting period, the Child Abuse Hotline received 9,979 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 60 50 49 54% 40 30 14 16% 20 7 8% 10 0 8 9% 11 12% 1 1% 0 0% A B C D Categories E F G N=90 A = Concern Only/No Allegation of Child Abuse or Neglect B = Out of CPS Jurisdiction C = Call Appropriate for Law Enforcement Jurisdiction2 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. 2 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 April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 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. The following statistics were valid for the current reporting period: · 18,510 reports appropriate for investigation · 170 reports fell within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments · 15,729 reports investigated by CPS · 2,781 reports were sent to Family Builders · 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 tribal governments. 4 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY FOR PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL HIGH 15 74 132 36 12 3 16 2,123 95 49 397 154 15 83 67 3,271 18% MODERATE 34 163 162 67 42 9 25 3,040 223 35 779 217 10 185 126 5,117 27% LOW 37 211 311 113 33 13 27 4,263 279 46 1,180 288 29 221 178 7,229 39% POTENTIAL 10 70 154 43 22 5 16 1,786 97 13 534 133 22 80 78 3,063 16% TOTAL 96 518 759 259 109 30 84 11,212 694 143 2,890 792 76 569 449 18,680 100% % OF TOTAL 1% 3% 4% 1% 1% <1% <1% 60% 4% 1% 15% 4% <1% 3% 2% 100% NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY FOR PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2002 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2003 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL HIGH 14 73 82 28 10 3 15 1,786 71 28 296 114 20 53 75 2,668 15% MODERATE 25 126 134 53 31 3 17 2,534 194 36 762 209 15 150 119 4,408 25% LOW 36 208 314 91 43 11 32 4,194 304 53 1,321 323 40 210 203 7,383 43% POTENTIAL 21 72 177 31 16 6 16 1,729 107 15 553 117 11 69 71 3,011 17% TOTAL 96 479 707 203 100 23 80 10,243 676 132 2,932 763 86 482 468 17,470 100% % OF TOTAL 1% 3% 4% 1% 1% <1% <1% 58% 4% 1% 16% 4% <1% 3% 3% 100% NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY TYPE OF MALTREATMENT AND COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 5 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL EMOTIONAL ABUSE 2 19 23 7 0 1 0 205 15 1 76 15 1 8 10 383 2% April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NEGLECT 61 317 492 171 57 17 61 6,745 425 96 1,729 502 39 332 270 11,314 61% PHYSICAL ABUSE 28 151 210 71 42 9 23 3,602 211 37 900 220 30 188 142 5,864 31% SEXUAL ABUSE 5 31 34 10 10 3 0 660 43 9 185 55 6 41 27 1,119 6% TOTAL % OF TOTAL 96 518 759 259 109 30 84 11,212 694 143 2,890 792 76 569 449 18,680 100% 1% 3% 4% 1% 1% <1% <1% 60% 4% 1% 15% 4% <1% 3% 2% 100% NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY TYPE OF MALTREATMENT AND COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2002 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2003 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL EMOTIONAL ABUSE 3 15 24 3 2 1 0 176 14 5 91 10 5 10 15 374 2% NEGLECT 61 277 452 137 60 15 52 6,050 387 85 1,666 445 45 275 292 10,299 59% PHYSICAL ABUSE 26 155 190 54 31 5 22 3,411 229 35 1,002 261 27 159 138 5,745 33% 6 SEXUAL ABUSE 6 32 41 9 7 2 6 606 46 7 173 47 9 38 23 1,052 6% TOTAL % OF TOTAL 96 479 707 203 100 23 80 10,243 676 132 2,932 763 86 482 468 17,470 100% 1% 3% 4% 1% 1% <1% <1% 58% 4% 1% 16% 4% <1% 3% 3% 100% Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 SUBSTANTIATED INVESTIGATIONS During the reporting period 13,925 reports were investigated and subject to substantiation, with 12% or 1,669 of the reports resulting in a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect.3 This compares to a revised substantiation rate of 15%, or 1,924 reports, for the period of October 2002 through March 2003. In addition, during the reporting period, April 2003 through September 2003, there were 752 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 12% 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 services4; 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. 3 As of January 25, 1999 the Department does not substantiate potential risk reports. 4 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 April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER OF INVESTIGATIONS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS IN WHICH THE CASE WAS 5 CLOSED AFTER INVESTIGATION BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 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 2 5 4 0 0 1 106 2 0 19 2 1 1 2 145 26% 1 6 6 6 3 0 0 111 2 0 42 7 0 8 1 193 34% 0 5 6 5 3 0 0 148 4 0 37 8 5 3 3 227 40% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 1 13 17 15 6 0 1 365 8 0 98 17 6 12 6 565 100% <1% 2% 3% 3% 1% 0% <1% 65% 1% 0% 17% 3% 1% 2% 1% 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 APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE % OF TOTAL 5 HIGH MODERATE LOW POTENTIAL TOTAL % OF TOTAL 3 17 25 7 3 2 0 312 8 1 110 24 3 14 5 534 51% 2 18 10 4 4 0 0 140 4 0 85 6 1 6 6 286 28% 3 9 5 5 2 0 0 118 2 1 53 7 1 7 2 215 21% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 8 44 40 16 9 2 0 570 14 2 248 37 5 27 13 1,035 100% 1% 4% 4% 2% 1% <1% 0% 55% 1% <1% 24% 4% <1% 3% 1% 100% The reports in Tables 3 through 5 are not mutually exclusive. The reports may simultaneously receive in -home services, out -ofhome services, as well as services through the community. 8 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER OF REPORTS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS IN WHICH OUT-OF-HOME SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY RISK LEVEL AND BY COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 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 21 25 4 4 2 0 275 7 1 115 24 2 14 5 502 56% 1 14 9 1 3 0 0 102 2 0 80 4 1 5 3 225 25% 2 8 4 1 2 0 0 87 2 0 45 7 0 5 0 163 18% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 6 43 38 6 9 2 0 464 11 1 240 35 3 24 8 890 100% 1% 5% 4% 1% 1% <1% 0% 52% 1% <1% 27% 4% <1% 3% 1% 100% 9 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 CHILDREN ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE During the reporting period April 2003 through September 2003, 3,349 children were removed from their home for some period of time. The table below shows the new removals for the period by county. There were no newborn infants delivered to safe haven providers during the April 2003 – September 2003 reporting period. This compares to one infant delivered to Safe Haven Providers during the October 2002 – April 2003 reporting period. NUMBER OF CHILDREN ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE NUMBER OF CHILDREN 20 122 104 20 20 6 7 1,790 71 34 810 143 11 150 41 3,349 % OF TOTAL 1% 4% 3% 1% 1% <1% <1% 53% 2% 1% 24% 4% <1% 4% 1% 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 April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER OF CHILDREN UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE DUE TO A VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT BY COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2003 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 COUNTY APACHE COCHISE COCONINO GILA GRAHAM GREENLEE LA PAZ MARICOPA MOHAVE NAVAJO PIMA PINAL SANTA CRUZ YAVAPAI YUMA STATEWIDE NUMBER OF CHILDREN 4 4 12 1 0 0 3 201 18 6 17 7 1 27 10 311 11 % OF TOTAL 1% 1% 4% <1% 0% 0% 1% 65% 6% 2% 5% 2% <1% 9% 3% 100% Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 DIRECT CLIENT SERVICES POSITIONS There were 65 authorized Child Protective Services Specialist positions vacant on September 30, 2003. In addition, the DCYF training institute was in the process of training 47 staff to fill these vacancies. VACANCIES BY REPORTING PERIOD 100 90 APR02-SEP02 70.5 80 70 60 APR01-SEP01 39 50 40 30 20 10 OCT01-MAR02 54 APR00-SEP00 18 OCT00-MAR01 4 0 12 APR03-SEP03 65 OCT02-MAR03 47 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE On September 30, 2003, there were 7,535 children in out-of-home care. During the reporting period of April 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003, there were 3,349 children removed from their home for some period of time. THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY AGE 3500 3000 2,254 30% 2500 2,209 32% 2,317 31% 1,966 29% 2000 1500 563 7% 1000 500 972 13% 857 13% 468 7% 1,166 1,089 15%% 16% 263 3% 237 3% 0 Under 1 1-5 6-8 9-12 13-17 18 and Over Ages of Children September 30, 2003, N=7,535 March 31, 2003, N=6,826 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY ETHNICITY 5,000 4,000 3,000 3,481 46% 3,220 47% 2,000 2,367 31% 2,089 31% 968 13% 1,000 899 13% 477 6% 396 6% 0 White Hispanic African Am Am Indian 67 1% 49 1% Asian 175 2% Other Ethnicity September 30, 2003, N=7,535 March 31, 2003, N= 6,826 13 173 3% Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY CASE PLAN GOAL 4,500 4,000 3,740 50% 3,237 47% 3,500 3,000 2,500 1,699 23% 2,000 1,609 24% 1,126 15% 1,500 1,000 362 5% 500 497 7% 338 5% 1,081 16% 469 7% 55 <1% 0 Return to Family Live With Other Relatives Adoption Long Term Foster Independent Living Care 55 1% Guardianship 56 <1% 37 <1% Case Plan Goal Being Developed Case Plan Goals September 30, 2003, N=7,535 March 31, 2003, N=6,826 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN CARE BY PLACEMENT TYPE 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 2,326 31% 2,570 34% 2,433 36% 1,932 28% 1,230 16% 1,500 1,163 17% 1,000 882 12% 804 12% 202 3% 500 186 3% 231 3% 216 3% 94 1% 92 1% 0 Relative Family Foster Home* Group Home Residential Treatment Independent Living Runaway Out-of-Home Placement Types September 30, 2003, N=7,535 March 31, 2003, N=6,826 * Category includes some relative placements. 14 Trial Home Visit Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 During the reporting period, 1,323 children remained in a shelter or receiving home for more than 21 consecutive days. (See Chart 4) For the period of April 2003 through September 2003, 594 or 45% of the children were six years of age or older. In addition, 196 or 15% 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 700 533 40% 600 500 478 36% 400 300 200 176 14% 196 15% 152 12% 161 12% 289 22% 325 25% 155 12% 131 10% 13 1% 100 0 Under 1 year 1-5 6-8 September 30, 2003, N=1,323 9-12 Ages of Children 13-17 14 1% 18 and over March 31, 2003, N=1,300 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY LENGTH OF TIME IN CARE 5000 3,687 49% 4000 3,122 46% 3000 1,388 18% 2000 1000 544 7% 1,324 19% 1,916 25% 1,969 29% 411 6% 0 30 days or less 31 days to 12 months September 30, 2003, N=7,535 13 to 24 months Length of Time in Out-of-Home Care 15 More than 24 months March 31, 2003, N=6,826 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY LEGAL STATUS 4,000 3,500 3,000 3,221 43% 2,971 44% 2,555 34% 2,094 31% 2,500 2,000 1,237 16% 1,500 1,269 19% 1,000 180 2% 500 0 Adjudicated Dependent Only Legally Free for Adoption Temporary Custody 167 2% Partially Free for Adoption 130 113 2% 2% 125 128 2% 2% Voluntary Placement Under 18 Voluntary Placement Over 18 62 1% 54 1% Dually Adjudicated 25 30 <1% <1% Other Legal Status September 30, 2003, N=7,535 March 31, 2003, N=6,826 At the end of the reporting period there were 7,535 children in out-of-home care who required visitation. Of these children, visitation was accurately documented in the automated system for 4,890 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 April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO RECEIVED THE REQUIRED VISITATION 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,890 65% 4,656 68% 4,000 2,645 35% 3,000 2,170 32% 2,000 1,000 0 Number Visited Number Not Visited September 2003, N=7,535 March 2003, N=6,826 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 1,693 parents who had a child with the case plan goal of return home. Of those parents requiring the visitation, 851 or 50% received the required visitation. The 50% visitation rate does not reflect attempted visitation where contact did not take place. 17 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 FOSTER HOMES As of September 30, 2003, there were 1,892 licensed foster homes with 3,982 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 September 30, 2003 there were 892 unused spaces within these foster homes. Approximately 518 of the 892 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, 308 new homes were licensed to provide foster care and 281 homes left the system. This compares to 283 new homes being licensed and 196 homes leaving the system for the period covering October 2002 through March 2003. The chart below gives the reasons for foster home closures for the period of April 1, 2003 through September 31, 2003. REASON FOR FOSTER HOME CLOSURE FOR THE PERIOD OF THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 100 80 71 26% APRIL 1, 2003 70 25% 66 23% 60 28 10% 40 17 6% 20 14 5% 8 3% F G 4 1% 3 1% H I 0 A B C D E Closure Reasons N= 281 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 April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 During the reporting period there were 1,892 foster homes that required visitation. Of those homes 1,606 or 85% received the required visitation. This compares to 1,695 or 91% of the foster homes that received the required visitation for the period October 2002 through March 2003. 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 THE REQUIRED VISITATION* WHO RECEIVED 2,500 2,000 1,606 85% 1,695 91% 1,500 1,000 286 15% 500 170 9% 0 Number Visited Number Not Visited April 2003-September 2003, N=1,892 October 2001-March 2002, N=1,865 *Required visitations to foster homes, for license monitoring purposes, are performed by licensing case managers. 19 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 CHILDREN EXITING OUT-OF-HOME CARE During the reporting period 2,528 children left the custody of the Department. This compares to 2,275 children exiting care during the prior reporting period. The comparison between the two reporting periods shows that 11% 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 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 % CHANGE OVER PRIOR PERIOD +11% -10% +2% +1% -2% -4% +11% 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 April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 By Age Number 190 830 327 383 612 186 2,528 Percentage 8% 33% 13% 15% 24% 7% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 1,159 775 323 176 13 82 2,528 Percentage 46% 31% 13% 7% <1% 3% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 1,338 466 234 136 79 275 2,528 Percentage 53% 19% 9% 5% 3% 11% 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 848 737 421 522 2,528 Percentage 33% 29% 17% 21% 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 8.26 1 7.01 Average 8.95 2.72 15.32 21 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “REUNIFICATION WITH PARENTS OR PRIMARY CARETAKER” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 By Age Number 127 393 176 219 378 5 1,298 Percentage 10% 30% 14% 17% 29% <1% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 627 360 167 86 7 51 1,298 Percentage 48% 28% 13% 7% <1% 4% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 852 236 99 36 26 49 1,298 Percentage 65% 18% 8% 3% 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 599 489 145 65 1,298 Percentage 46% 38% 11% 5% 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 8.21 1 1.61 Average 8.63 1.79 6.17 22 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “LIVING WITH OTHER RELATIVES” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 By Age Number 22 66 21 19 27 0 155 Percentage 14% 43% 14% 12% 17% 0% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 58 55 20 15 1 6 155 Percentage 38% 35% 13% 10% 1% 4% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 132 15 3 4 0 1 155 Percentage 85% 10% 2% 3% <1% 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 125 28 2 0 155 Percentage 81% 18% 1% 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 5.22 1 .16 Average 6.70 1.17 .84 23 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “ADOPTION” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 By Age Number 2 223 72 72 39 0 408 Percentage <1% 54% 18% 18% 10% 0% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 203 137 44 20 3 1 408 Percentage 50% 34% 11% 5% <1% <1% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 98 106 66 37 27 74 408 Percentage 24% 26% 16% 9% 7% 18% 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 11 119 277 408 Percentage <1% 3% 29% 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 5.39 1 7.01 Average 6.43 2.72 15.32 24 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “GUARDIANSHIP” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 By Age Number 21 109 52 65 78 1 326 Percentage 6% 33% 16% 20% 24% <1% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 110 140 45 18 1 12 326 Percentage 33% 43% 14% 6% <1% 4% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 167 60 41 31 12 15 326 Percentage 51% 18% 12% 10% 4% 5% 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 61 123 112 30 326 Percentage 19% 38% 34% 9% 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 7.90 1 12.20 Average 8.31 2.25 12.95 25 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASONS OF “REACHING AGE OF MAJORITY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 By Age Number 0 0 0 0 27 176 203 Percentage 0% 0% 0% 0% 13% 87% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 105 48 31 14 1 4 203 Percentage 52% 24% 15% 7% <1% 2% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 13 17 17 20 9 127 203 Percentage 6% 8% 8% 10% 4% 64% 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 4 27 31 141 203 Percentage 2% 13% 15% 70% 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 7 39.51 Average 18.30 9.43 54.65 26 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “TRANSFER TO ANOTHER AGENCY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 By Age Number 17 39 6 7 33 4 106 Percentage 16% 36% 6% 7% 31% 4% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 46 22 11 21 0 6 106 Percentage 43% 21% 10% 20% 0% 6% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 52 27 8 6 4 9 106 Percentage 49% 25% 8% 6% 4% 8% 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 34 51 12 9 106 Percentage 32% 49% 11% 8% 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 4.99 2 5.35 Average 8.05 2.62 9.60 27 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “RUNAWAY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 By Age Number 0 0 0 1 30 0 31 Percentage 0% 0% 0% 3% 97% 0% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 9 13 5 2 0 2 31 Percentage 30% 42% 16% 6% 0% 6% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 23 5 0 2 0 1 31 Percentage 75% 16% 0% 6% 0% 3% 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 23 8 0 0 31 Percentage 74% 26% 0% 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 16.27 1 .09 Average 16.06 1.55 1 28 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “DEATH OF CHILD” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 By Age Number 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Percentage 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% Ethnicity White Hispanic African American American Indian Asian Other Total Number 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Percentage 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% By Number of Placements One Two Three Four Five More than Five Total Number 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Percentage 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 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 0 0 0 1 Percentage 100% 0% 0% 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 .69 1 .03 Average .69 1 .03 29 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 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-of-home care is 2 years, 6 months. THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY AGE 800 578 48% 600 400 200 21 2% 0 246 20% 227 19% 59 21% 4 1% Under 1 1-5 108 39% 43 16% 6-8 9-12 135 11% 64 23% 13-17 Ages of Children Placed, N=1,207 Not Placed, N=278 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY ETHNICITY 30 0 0% 0 0% 18 and Over Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 800 566 47% 600 398 33% 400 143 52% 200 0 White 76 27% Hispanic 156 13% 55 5% 37 13% African Am. 15 5% Am. Indian Ethnicity Placed, N=1,207 5 <1% 27 2% 2 1% Asian 5 2% Other Not Placed, N=278 THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY LEGAL STATUS 1000 800 722 60% 600 400 200 166 60% 287 24% 89 32% 198 16% 23 8% 0 Legally Free Not Free Partially Free* Legal Status Placed, N=1,207 Not Placed, N=278 *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 PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION TO ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT 31 OF CASE Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 1,000 800 649 54% 600 400 80 7% 200 102 8% 114 9% 128 11% 6 to 12 months 1 to 2 years 73 6% 61 5% 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=1,207 *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. 32 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 ADOPTIVE SERVICES There were 408 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 450 400 350 300 250 220 53% 256 65% 200 100 25% 150 100 68 17% 50 0 Less than 1 year 39 10% 1 to 2 years 41 10% 2 to 3 years 49 12% 33 8% More than 3 years Length of Time April 2003-September 2003, N=408 October 2002-March 2003, N=398 33 Child Welfare Reporting Requirements April 1, 2003 - September 30, 2003 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 200 146 36% 150 153 38% 107 26% 105 26% 100 110 28% 70 18% 50 12% 50 65 16% 0 Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 2 to 3 years More than 3 years Length of Time April 2003-September 2003, N=408 October 2002-March 2003, N=398 *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. 34