The Six Data Indicators Measured by the Review

In evaluating a state's ability to provide for the safety, permanency and well-being for children and families, the review examines:

• The system a state has developed for delivery of services; and
• Data that tracks the outcomes from actual child welfare cases, referred to as data indicators.

Since the data is tracked by computers, a state knows the results of its six data indicators before the on-site review takes place. The on-site review studies how a state can improve to produce better outcomes.

Following are the six data indicators the review evaluates:

1. Recurrence of maltreatment: Of all children who were victims of substantiated or indicated maltreatment, how many had another incident within six months?
2. Foster care re-entries: Of all children who entered foster care, how many re-entered within 12 months of their previous episode?
3. Incidence of child abuse and/or neglect in foster care: How many children in foster care suffered maltreatment by a foster parent or facility?
4. Stability of foster care placement: How many children had no more than two placements during a 12-month period?
5. Length of time to achieve reunification: How many children were reunified with their families in less than 12 months of being placed in foster care?
6. Length of time to achieve adoption: For children in which reunification is not an option, how many children exited foster care to a finalized adoption in less than 24 months of being placed in foster care?