In 1994, Program Instructions for states applying for CIP funds required an initial assessment to be conducted within two years of receiving the grant. States were instructed to address specific issues in these assessments, and then develop recommendations and a strategic plan to improve court processing of child abuse and neglect cases. In 2003, states were instructed to conduct a reassessment to (1) update earlier findings in light of CIP reform efforts, (2) address state compliance with ASFA, and (3) incorporate the strengths and weaknesses related to the court system as identified in the state's final reports under the CFSR and the Title IV-E foster care eligibility review.
The National Evaluation of the Court Improvement Program is reviewing and synthesizing the state reassessments to determine which areas of child abuse and neglect proceedings states have focused on improving, as well as to identify successes and barriers related to achieving child safety, permanence, and well-being.
The reassessments are being evaluated on the following criteria:
How rigorous are the Reassessments methodologically:
What are the data sources?
Samples (sizes, selection, population, attrition)
Process variables and measurement
Outcome variables and measurement
Analysis and tests of significance
Does the Reassessment link to:
Original Assessment
CFSR/PIP
IV-E Eligibility Review
ASFA mandates
Best practice guidelines
Does the Reassessment address:
Representation of Parties
Timeliness and Efficiency of the Court Process
Communication and Collaboration among Court Participants
Notification and Treatment of Parties
Quality of Hearings
Judicial Findings and Orders
ICWA
Stakeholder Knowledge of the Court System
Judicial Expertise Concerning Child Abuse and Neglect
Local Case Tracking
Statewide MIS and Interface Between Systems
Court Staffing
Legislation and Court Rules
Other CIP Activities
Does the Reassessment consider collaborations with:
State child welfare agency
Children's Justice Act
Programs through: OJJDP, Children's Victims Act Model Courts, Safe Start, Safe Kids/Safe Streets, Strengthening Abuse and Neglect Court
What do the Reassessments say about the impact of court reforms and CIP on:
Expediting permanency,
Maintaining child safety,
Facilitating child well-being
What can we say about future directions, what reforms are planned? What categories of interventions are proposed?
