This measure determines whether the frequency and quality of visits between caseworkers and the mothers and fathers of the child(ren) are sufficient to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of the child(ren) and promote achievement of case goals. This data comes from the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) Item 15. 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, the caseworker visited the parents frequently enough to monitor their progress in services, promote timely achievement of case goals, and effectively address their child(ren)’s safety, permanency, and well-being needs. The visits were of good quality, with discussions focusing on the parent’s and child(ren)’s needs, services, and case plan goals. The length and location of visits were conducive to open, honest, and thorough conversations. Typically, visit frequency must be at least monthly for a Strength rating, unless there is substantial justification for less frequent visits, which could vary depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, for parents who are incarcerated, efforts should be made to arrange face-to-face contact; however, this may not be permitted or viable in a facility that is out of state. In lieu of face-to face visits, the agency’s efforts to maintain monthly communication with the parent via phone calls, video calls, and/or letters should be considered when determining substantial justification for less than monthly face-to-face visits. 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 51.85% for FY 2021. The target is 58% or higher (established November of 2024). 

The Division consists of five regions and two regions have seen an increase in this score while two regions have seen a decrease. The last region has seen a consistent score since FY2022. The Division overall shows a slow decline in percentages since FY2022. The performance was lower for fathers than for mothers. Further analysis of the results showed inadequate efforts to locate, contact and visit with parents who are not the child’s primary caregivers (non-custodial parents, stepparents, incarcerated parents, and parents who are not receiving reunification services anymore). 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.