By Jim Roberts, The Chronicle of Social Change, November 4, 2019
The goal of the Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) was to reduce group home placements by shifting foster youth to family-based services. There have been some modest accomplishments, but from my perspective, there is a long way to go to really achieve success.
The reforms have had some positive outcomes. First, California has seen a reduction in group home placements by about one-third since 2011. Second, all private providers are now required to be nationally accredited, creating a consistent, high bar for program evaluation, fidelity and monitoring. I believe the standards of accreditation requirements should also apply to counties providing direct services.
And finally, CCR implemented a standardized Child Family Team process for assessment, case planning and monitoring activities, basically eliminating unilateral decision-making. This process is definitely a best practice for youth and their families.
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