This measure determines whether, during the PUR, concerted efforts were made (or are being made) to involve parents and children (if developmentally appropriate) in the case planning process on an ongoing basis. This data comes from the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) Item 13. CFSR is a federal-state collaborative effort designed to help ensure that quality services are provided to children and families through state child welfare systems.  Cases are randomly pulled and then 2 trained reviewers review case files and conduct  interviews with the parents, child(ren), therapists, caseworkers, and attorneys to determine the quality of DCFS and the community’s efforts to assist the family with promoting safety and receiving the services needed to remedy the concerns that brought them to the attention of DCFS. 

During the PUR, concerted efforts must be made to actively involve the children (if age and developmentally appropriate) and parents/caregivers in case planning activities. Concerted efforts include having age and developmentally appropriate discussions with children explaining case plans in a language they understand. Ensuring children understand permanency goals and changes made to the goals. Discussing family strengths and needs with the children and parents, evaluating other case plan goals and progress in services with both children and parents, and ensuring that case planning meetings are arranged based on the family's availability and are utilized to engage with the family in case planning discussions. Cases are scored on a pass/fail basis of either 'strength' or 'area needing improvement'. The requirements to receive a 'strength' rating are rigorous and difficult to obtain. If there is any room for improvement at all, the item as a whole is not considered a strength.

The quarterly percentages are based on a rolling 12-months of state-wide CFSR reviews. The baseline was 64.94% for FY 2021. The target is 65% or higher (established November of 2024). 

The low percentages from item 15, caseworker visits with parents, as well as the teaming component (a carryover indicator from QCR), contributes to lower percentages in child and family involvement in case planning. The state has seen a small upward trend in this area from FY2022 to FY2023, however, FY2024 shows a drastic downward trend. Three out of five regions show an upward trend. The Office of Service Review has made a recommendation in their report dated July 23, 2024 that DCFS explore strategies to improve the practice of conducting regular visits with all parents, in particular fathers and non-custodial parents, to better engage them in the case. The percentages in item 13 should expect to increase when percentage from item 15 shows improvement.