The Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has embraced continuous quality improvement (CQI) to attain positive outcomes for families and children served. In February 2019, CCDCFS expanded its CQI unit by employing four additional staff with a variety of casework practice. The CQI team uses qualitative, quantitative, and outcome data to identify areas needing improvement.  For example, the CQI team partnered with their technical assistance specialist to conduct case reviews of the agency’s assessment/investigation practices utilizing the federal On-Site Review Instrument (OSRI). This process included the CQI staff learning how to rate the safety related items in the OSRI when reviewing cases; leading peer reviews of cases with caseworkers, supervisors, and senior managers; and synthesizing qualitative information from the case reviews to make informed recommendations for practice improvement. This partnership allowed for a review of cases in each of the agency’s short-term services units to capture agency-wide practice. It also allowed them to develop proactive, positive relationships with the caseworkers, supervisors, and senior managers. The case reviews with agency staff generated positive feedback and appreciation for the opportunity to engage in discussions about cases. The DCFS Director and leadership team recognize the importance of self-analyzing, implementing strategies for improvements in casework practice, and reassessing the strategies’ viability. This not only improves outcomes, but also fosters a learning environment. As a result, the CQI unit was tasked with conducting focused case reviews based on analysis of agency data and identified areas needing improvement in the third quarter of 2021. A report of the reviews outlined strengths in casework practice, areas needing improvement, and recommendations for systemic changes to the director and leadership team. The expansion and work of the CQI unit have been instrumental in developing and enhancing quality casework practices.

During Q3-21, DCFS released a RFP to find a local partner to lead the creation and management of a collaborative Child Protection Team (CPT). This team would help prevent child abuse and neglect and catch cases that could normally slip through cracks between different systems. The CPT would bring together local hospitals, social services, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the Child Advocacy Center, along with DCFS in a collaborative approach to facilitate inter-agency cooperation, real-time information exchange, and multidisciplinary case evaluation and management that improves child wellbeing and safety.