A Message from Cheryl Stephani, Assistant Secretary Children's Administration

Foster Parent and Relative Caregiver Telephone Survey
Final Results - September 2007

We want to let you know that the results of the BRAAM Foster Parent/Caregiver Benchmark Survey were released on September 20, 2007. This survey is an independent survey developed and conducted by the Washington State University's Social and Economic Sciences Research Center (SERC).

The purpose of the survey was to gather information about caregivers' experiences to ensure they are getting the training and support they need. In this large scale survey more than 1200 caregivers statewide were interviewed by telephone between April and July 2007. The questionnaire included over 150 questions and is probably one of the most comprehensive and valid survey of its kind. The survey results are considered accurate within + or - 2.7%. This is a very high confidence level.

I want to thank all the caregivers who took the time to complete this very important survey. Your information and the results of the survey give us a clear picture of our strengths and the areas where we need to continue our improvement efforts. So thank you everyone.

The results paint a strong picture of Washington's foster care program and support the direction we are moving in our relationship and partnership with you. You gave us very high marks for the support, training and information we are providing to you in your important work of caring for children. Our social workers and licensing staff received high ratings for their professionalism, their call back times, and the respectful manner in which foster parents and relative caregivers were treated. This is good news. Our efforts to support you are working.

The survey results are used to measure the Agency's performance related to 8 of the Braam Implementation Plan measures. The results indicate a high level of compliance with 5 out of the 8 measures. The survey covers more than the Braam measurements and includes many other areas important to you in your role as a caregiver and to the Children's Administration. We will use the results to keep improving and to build a top notch foster care program.

We will be discussing the survey and its results at the region and state meetings of caregivers and Children's Administration which are scheduled to begin in October. You will receive more information on these meeting shortly. In the meantime I encourage you to read the survey report. The results can be accessed by clicking on the following links:

2007 Foster Parent Survey