Evaluation of Kansas' Foster Care Privatization Efforts
For this evaluation, JBA conducted assessments of child welfare service delivery on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis using 45 performance indicators and caseload trends in the areas of family service provision, family preservation, foster care and adoption. Data sources used for the assessments included the state's child welfare management information system, monthly reports submitted by contracted service providers and case and administrative reviews of contractor performance conducted by the state. In addition to reviewing relevant policy documents and other written materials, JBA collected data through periodic site visits to the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, each of the state's 11 Area Offices, and to private providers of family preservation, foster care and adoption services throughout the state. JBA also interviewed court personnel and conducted focus groups with biological families, as well as foster and adoptive parents.