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7/31/2019 FGA RightForKidsBook Web Single Pages
1/36012RightforKidsRanking|FoundationforGovernmentAccountability
Which Stat Chid Wfar
Ssts Ar Right for Kids?
R A N K I N G
2012
PublishedbytheFoundationforGovernmentAccountability
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F O U N D A T I O N F O R GOVERNMENT
ACCOUNTABILITY
TarrenBragdon
ChiefEecutiveOfcer
Which Stat Chid Wfar
Ssts Ar Right for Kids?
R A N K I N G
2012
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2012
R I G H T F O R K I D S R A N K I N G
CONTeNTSEecutiveSummary..................................................................................................6
DoingRightForKids GoodSocialPoli cy,GoodEconomicPolicy........ ......... .... 7
FiveKeyFindings FromThe2012Right ForKidsRanking........ ......... ......... ........ ...... 8
TheBestAndWorstWhichStatesAreRightForKids?.........................................9
WhatIfAllStates PerformedLikeThe Top10RightForK idsStates?........ ........ ... 10
2012RightForKidsRanking................................................................................... 11
2006vs.2012RightForKidsRanking.....................................................................12
SubRankingsTheBestAndWorstStatesForEachOfThe11OutcomeAreas....13
Outcome1-ReduceAbuse.................................................................................. 14
Outcome2-ReduceAbuse InFosterCare......... ......... ........ ......... ........ ......... .... 15
Outcome3-PermanentFamilies,SafeHomes...................................................16
Outcome4-ReturnHomeQuicklyAndSafely................................................... 17
Outcome5-ForeverFamiliesASAP.................................................................... 18Outcome6-HereToday...AndTomorrow.......................................................19
Outcome7-HopeAndHomesFor Teens........ ......... ........ ......... ........ ......... ......... 20
Outcome8-FosteringAGoodEducation..........................................................21
Outcome9-FewerFosterKids............................................................................. 22
Outcome10-RapidResponse.............................................................................23
Outcome11-MoreForeverFamilies.................................................................... 24
RankingMethodology...........................................................................................25
DetailedOutcomesSummaryTable....................................................................26
SpendingVersusPerformance-IsMoneyTheAnswer?..................................... 28
FosterCareSpendingPerState............................................................................29
StrengthsAndLimitations...................................................................................... 30
NewOpportunitiesForStatesAndKids................................................................ 31
AboutTheFoundationForGovernmentAccountability.................................... 32
AboutTheAuthorTarrenBragdon.....................................................................33
References.............................................................................................................34
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Eachstateschildwelfaresystemtypicallyoperatesoutofthepubliceyeunlessatragedy,oftenthedeatha
child,pullsthesystemfromtheshadowstothefrontpage.Itshouldnotbethisway.Protectingchildrenfrom
abuseandneglectisafundamentalresponsibilityofacivilsociety.
Yet,theaverageAmerican,andevenmostpolicymakersandmembersofthemedia,haslittleunderstandingofhow
theirstateschildwelfaresystemperforms.TheannualRIGHTFORKIDSRANKINGprovidesthehardfactsabouthow
wellstatesareservingvulnerablekids.TheRIGHTFORKIDSRANKINGandthecompanionRightForKids.orgWebsite
answersbasicquestionslike:
Whichstatesaredoingthebestjoboverallinservingchildrenwhoareab usedandneglected?
Andmorefocusedquestionslike:
Whichstatesarebestservingteenagersinfostercarebyhelpingthemmoveontopermanencyandstab ility?
The2012RIGHTFORKIDSRANKINGshowswhichstatesarebestandworstatthistoughbutcriticaljob,usinga
methodologythatscoresallstatesin11keyoutcomeareasand41differentdatameasures.Thiscomprehensive
lististherstofitskind.
ThevemajorndingsfromthisyearsRIGHTFORKIDSRANKINGare:
1.Only11stateshavea24-hourrapidresponsetoinvestigateclaimsofabuseorneglect.
2.Only12statesvisitthevastmajorityoffosterkidsmonthly.
3.Only9statesquicklyandsafelyreturnfosterchildrenhometotheirbiologicalfamilieswhenpossible.
4.Only9statesensureshortandstablestaysinfostercareasgeneralpractice.
5.Only11stateshelpndforeverfamiliesASAPforalargeshareoffosterchildren.
Americans,mostimportantlyabusedandneglectedkids,payasignicantpriceasaresultofsomestatesdoing
amuchworsejobthanothers.WhatifallstatesperformedattheleveloftheTop10RightforKidsStates?Ifthat
happened:
1.Therewouldbe72,000fewerkidsinfostercare(17%fewer).
2.Therewouldbealmost19,000moreadoptionsfromfostercareeachyear(36%more).
Helpingkidsisnotjustgoodsocialpolicy.Itisgoodeconomicpolicyaswell.Childabuseandneglectcosts
morethan$100billioneveryyearindirect($33billion)andindirect($71billion)costs.
This annual ranking is a reality check on how well each state is serving the most vulnerable children, and
celebratestopperformingstatesoverallandinspecicoutcomeareas.Thesebrightspotscanleadbyeample,andhighlightsuccessfulpublicpolicies,fundingstructures,andleadershiptobestservekids.Understandingwhy
astaterankswhereitdoesistherststeptowardpositive,pro-activereforms.Learnmoreabouthowyourstate
performsbyreadingthisreportandstatespecicprolesatRightForKids.org
E x E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y
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D O I N G R I G H T F O R K I D S G O O D S O C I A L P O L I C Y , G O O D E C O N O M I C P O L I C
Ithappens.ChildreninAmericadiefromabuseandneglect.Ithappens1,770timesayearalmostvetimes
everyday.1Whenthesetragediesoccurquestionsareaskedandngersarepointed.Thestateschildwelfare
systembecomesfrontpagenews.Suchtragediesrightlyforcethemedia,policymakersandthepublictoask
toughquestionsabouthowwellastateschildwelfaresystemprotectskids,reducesabuse,supportsfamilies,
andmovesabusedkidstosafeandpermanentfamiliesandultimatelytowardabetterlife.
Achildshouldnothavetodietoforcethesequestions.
Policymakers,childadvocates,themediaandthepublichavearighttoknow:
Whichstatesaredoingthebestjoboverallinservingchildrenwhoareab usedandneglected?
Whichstatesarequickesttoinvestigateallegationsofabuse?
Whichstatesarebestatreducingtheamountoftimechildrenspendinfostercare?
Whichstateshaveincreasedthenumberofchildrenmovingfromfostercaretoadoptivefamilies?
Whichstatesarebestatsupporting fosterchildrensafelyreturningbacktotheirbiologicalfamilies?
Whichstatesarebestatservingteenagersincarebyhelpingth emmoveontopermanencyandstability?
Whichstatesarereducingthenumberoffosterhomesthatkidsinfostercareareplacedinto?
Whichstatesarereducingtherateofchildabuseandneglect?
Simplyput,atopperformingchildwelfaresystemshouldrespondquicklytoallegationsofabuse,ensurethat
kidswhoareabusedaretransitionedtoasafeandpermanenthomeasquicklyaspossible(whetherthrough
successful reunication or adoption), guarantee that children in out-of-home placements are in safe and
supportivehome-likesettings(fostercareorkinshipcare)withasfewplacementsaspossible,andreducethe
overallincidenceofabuseand,subsequently,thenumberofchildreninneedoffostercare.
TheFoundationforGovernmentAccountabilitypublishestheRIGHTFORKIDSRANKINGtocomprehensivelyand
holisticallyratethechildwelfaresystemsofall50statesandtheDistrictofColumbia.Thisannualrankingisthe
rstofitskind.Itmeasureseachstatesjobperformanceinservingthemostvulnerablekids,andidentiesthe
leaderstateswecanlooktoforinspirationandadvice.
Helpingkidsisnotjustgoodsocialpolicy.Itisgoodeconomicpolicyaswell.Childabuseandneglectcosts
morethan$100billioneveryyearindirect($33billion)andindirect($71billion)costs.2Accordingtonumerous
studies,abusedandneglectedchildrenaremorelikelytoeperiencethefollowingduringtheirlifetime:poor
physicalhealth,pooremotionalhealth,socialdifculties,cognitivedysfunction,high-riskhealthbehaviors,and
behavioralproblems.
Thedirectcostsofchildabuseandneglectaremoreobvious:hospitalizationfromabuse($6.6billion),mental
healthservices($1billion),childwelfareservices($25.4billion),andlawenforcement($33million).Butthere
arealsoseveralindirectcostsofchildabuseandneglect:specialeducation($2.4billion),juveniledelinquency
($7.2billion),mentalhealthandhealthcare($67million),adultcriminaljusticespending($28billion),andlost
productivity ($33 billion). This totalcostis eight times greater than the total$12.6billion reported stateand
federalTitleIV-EspendingforFosterCare($8.4billion)andAdoptionAssistance($4.1billion)inscalyear2010. 3
Whatisimmeasurableisthecosttothelifeoftheabusedchild.Asasociety,weneedtoreducetheincidence
ofchildabuseandneglectandimproveoutcomesinstatechildwelfaresystemsnotbecauseitisgoodscal
policy,butrstandforemostbecauseitistherightandjustthingtodoinacivilsociety.
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1. On 11 stats ha a 24-hor rapid rspons to instigat cais of abs or ngct.
Theaveragetimebetweenreceivingareportofabuseorneglectandlaunchinganinvestigationislessthan24hours
inthefollowing11states:Colorado,DistrictofColumbia,Florida,Illinois,Iowa,Nevada,NewHampshire,NewJersey,
NewYork,TennesseeandWyoming. Unbelievably,13statestakelongerthan120hours(5days)torespond.Fora
vulnerablechild,thiscouldmeananothervedaysofabusebecauseofbureaucraticdelay.Itcouldalsomeanthe
differencebetweenlifeanddeath.
2. On 12 stats isit th ast ajorit of fostr kids onth.
Caseworkervisitsarecriticaltoensurethesafetyofthechildinfostercareandtosupportthefosterparentsserving
thechild.12statesprioritizefosterfamilyaccountabilityandsafetywithmonthlyvisitstoatleast85%offosterchildren.
Theyare: Florida, Georgia, Idaho,Indiana, Kansas,Louisiana,Maine, New Meico, Pennsylvania, SouthCarolina,
SouthDakota,andUtah.
3. On 9 stats qick and saf rtrn fostr chidrn ho to thir bioogica faiis whn possib.
Just13states,onaverage,reunifyfosterchildrenwiththeirbiologicalfamilieswithin12months.Toomanystatestake
toolongtoreunify,eventhoughreunicationisinthebestinterestofthechildren.Inthesestateskidslanguishinfoster
carelikelylongerthantheyneed.
38states,onaverage,havefewerthan15%(about1 in7)ofreuniedfosterchildrenre-enterfostercarewithin12
months(presumablybecauseofcontinuedabuseandneglect).Mostreunicationsaresuccessful.
Only9statesaccomplishbothfewerthan12monthsonaveragetoreunifywithan85%+successrate.Thesestates
are:Arkansas,Florida,Idaho,Indiana,Mississippi,Nebraska,Tennessee,Utah,andWyoming.
4. On 9 stats nsr short and stab stas in fostr car as a gnra practic.
Only14stateshavechildrenremaininfostercare12monthsorless,onaverage.
27stateshave85%ormoreofchildreninfostercarelessthan12monthsandina maimumoftwodifferentfoster
homes(orplacements).Suchmovescanbetraumaticforthechild,oftenforcingachangeofschoolandleaving
friendsandcommunitysupport.
Only9statesaccomplish bothhavefosterchildrenremainincare ayearorlessand ensuretheydonoteperience
thetraumaofmultiplemoves. Thesestatesare:Arizona,Florida,Idaho,Indiana,Iowa,Minnesota,Nebraska,West
Virginia,andWyoming.
5. On 11 stats hp nd forr faiis ASAP for a arg shar of fostr chidrn.
Whenafosterchildissuccessfullyadoptedintoaforeverfamily,heorshehasoftenbeeninthechildwelfaresystem
alongtime.Just28states,onaverage,takelessthan30monthstomoveachildfromanabusivebiologicalhome
throughthefostercaresystemandintoasafe,permanentadoptivefamily.Thismeansjustoverhalfthestatestakelessthantwoandonehalfyearstomoveachildfromabuseanduncertaintytosafetyandstability.Onlyfourstates
accomplishthisinlessthan24months:Colorado,Iowa,Utah,andVermont.
Just18states,in2010,had15%offosterchildren(about1in7) adopted.
Only11statesaccomplishb othlessthan30monthson averagetomoveafosterchildto anadoptivehome,anda
largenumberofadoptionsasashareofthenumberofkidsinfostercare.Thesestatesare:Arizona,Arkansas,Florida,
Idaho,Maine,NewMeico,NorthCarolina,Teas,Utah,Vermont,andWyoming.
F I V E K E Y F I N D I N G S F R O M T H E 2 0 1 2 R I G H T
F O R K I D S R A N K I N G
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T H E B E S T A N D W O R S T W H I C H S T A T E S A R E R I G H T F O R K I D S ?
TOP 10 RightFOR KIDS STATeS(withscore,outof110points)
1.Idaho(78.9)
2.NewHampshire(73.6)
3.NorthCarolina(73.1)
4.Florida(70.9)
5.NewJersey(70.7)
6.Arizona(70.3)
7.Colorado(69.6)
8.NorthDakota(68.9)
9.Hawaii(68.2)
10.Tennessee(66.7)
BOTTOm 10 WRong FOR KIDS STATeS(withscore,outof110points)
42.SouthCarolina(55.3)
43.Mississippi(55.3)
44.Nebraska(53.5)
45.NewYork(53.4)
46.Montana(52.6)
47.SouthDakota(51)
48.Illinois(50)
49.Oregon(48.9)
50.Massachusetts(42.3)
51.DistrictofColumbia(40.9)
Whichstatesaretheleadersandwhichfallshortwhenitcomestohelpingchildrenwhoareabusedorneglected?
Belowisthelistingofthe10Bestand10Worststatesforkids.
Lookcloselyatthelist.Thereisnoapparentsize,geography,relativewealth,orethnicproleofatopperforming
state.Thelistisdiverse.Whatmattersisnotthephysicalcharacteristicsofastate,buthowstatesactandwhat
programsandpoliciestheyhave.
Anystatecanbeatopperformer.Thatsgoodnewsforpolicymakersandgreatnewsforkidswhoareabused
andneglected.
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W H A T I F A L L S T A T E S P E R F O R M E D L I K E T H E T O P
1 0 R I G H T F O R K I D S S T A T E S ?
Thenotionofallstateshavingahigh-performingchildwelfaresystemisnotpolicyutopia.Infact,asdatain
thisreportandonRightForKids.orgshows,overarelativelyshortperiodoftimestatescananddodramatically
improveorworsentheirperformanceinprotectingandservingkidswhoareabusedandneglected.
SowhatwoulditmeanifallstatesweretoperformaswellastheTop10RightForKidsStates?Whatiftherestof
thestateshad,onaverage,thesameoutcomesastheTop10states?
1.Therewouldbe72,000fewerkidsinfostercare(17%fewer)
2.Therewouldbealmost19,000moreadoptionsfromfostercareeachyear(36%more)
TheRIGHT FORKIDS RANKINGmatters. Child advocates,families, voters, policymakers and themediamust
encouragestatestoreformtheirchildwelfaresystemsanddevelopachildwelfaresafetynetthatservesabusedandneglectedkidswell.Whenthishappens,acompassionateandpremierchildwelfarenetworkacrossthe
countrywillbethereality,notjustanideal.
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2 0 1 2 R I G H T F O R K I D S R A N K I N G
The2012RIGHTFORKIDSRANKINGisbasedonthemostrecentdataavailablemostlyfrom2010andfactorsa
stateschangeinperformanceovertime,from2007to2010.
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 58.8 33
Alaska 56.6 40
Arizona 70.3 6
Arkansas 57.8 37
California 56.4 41
Colorado 69.6 7
Connecticut 57.9 36
Delaware 57.3 38
DistrictofColumbia 40.9 51
Florida 70.9 4
Georgia 66.1 12
Hawaii 68.2 9
Idaho 78.9 1
Illinois 50 48
Indiana 62.9 24
Iowa 64.6 15
Kansas 61.4 30
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 62.9 23
Louisiana 61.5 29
Maine 62.7 25
Maryland 58.4 34
Massachusetts 42.3 50
Michigan 63.1 22
Minnesota 63.4 21
Mississippi 55.3 43
Missouri 62.4 26
Montana 52.6 46
Nebraska 53.5 44
Nevada 61.8 28
NewHampshire 73.6 2
NewJersey 70.7 5
NewMeico 64.4 18
NewYork 53.4 45
NorthCarolina 73.1 3
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 68.9 8
Ohio 65.8 13
Oklahoma 60.1 31
Oregon 48.9 49
Pennsylvania 64.5 16
RhodeIsland 58 35
SouthCarolina 55.3 42
SouthDakota 51 47
Tennessee 66.7 10
Teas 58.9 32
Utah 63.9 20
Vermont 56.9 39
Virginia 62.1 27
Washington 64.1 19
WestVirginia 65.4 14
Wisconsin 64.5 17
Wyoming 66.5 11
2012 RANKINGS - AlPHABeTICAl
2012 RANKINGS - BeST TO WORST
STATe SCORe RANK
Idaho 78.9 1
NewHampshire 73.6 2
NorthCarolina 73.1 3
Florida 70.9 4
NewJersey 70.7 5
Arizona 70.3 6
Colorado 69.6 7
NorthDakota 68.9 8
Hawaii 68.2 9
Tennessee 66.7 10
Wyoming 66.5 11
Georgia 66.1 12
Ohio 65.8 13
WestVirginia 65.4 14
Iowa 64.6 15
Pennsylvania 64.5 16
Wisconsin 64.5 17
STATe SCORe RANK
NewMeico 64.4 18
Washington 64.1 19
Utah 63.9 20
Minnesota 63.4 21
Michigan 63.1 22
Kentucky 62.9 23
Indiana 62.9 24
Maine 62.7 25
Missouri 62.4 26
Virginia 62.1 27
Nevada 61.8 28
Louisiana 61.5 29
Kansas 61.4 30
Oklahoma 60.1 31
Teas 58.9 32
Alabama 58.8 33
Maryland 58.4 34
STATe SCORe RANK
RhodeIsland 58 35
Connecticut 57.9 36
Arkansas 57.8 37
Delaware 57.3 38
Vermont 56.9 39
Alaska 56.6 40
California 56.4 41
SouthCarolina 55.3 42
Mississippi 55.3 43
Nebraska 53.5 44
NewYork 53.4 45
Montana 52.6 46
SouthDakota 51 47
Illinois 50 48
Oregon 48.9 49
Massachusetts 42.3 50
Districtof Col umbia 40.9 51
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Tobestunderstandhowstateperformancechangedovertime(inthiscasefouryears),acalculationofthe2006Rankingisprovidedforcomparisonwiththe2012RIGHTFORKIDSRANKING.The2006Rankingalsomeasureshow a states performance changed from2003to2006.
Whatismosttellingaboutthe2006Rankingscompared to the 2012 Rankings is howmuchstatesmoved.
Fromthe2006tothe2012Rankings,19states
movedmorethan10places(upordown).Infact,14statesmovedatleast15places.
Whatdoesthismean?Statescananddosignicantly change how well they serveabusedandneglectedkidsinaveryshortamountof time. A child welfaresystem isnot an immovable bureaucracy. It is a
dynamic system and its performance canquicklyanddramaticallychange.
Ontheother hand,thisalsoindicates thattopperformingstatesmustbevigilantandpro-activetopreservetheirgoodstanding.
In fact, only Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii,Idaho, and North Carolina were Top 10Statesinboth2012and2006.
Other states saw dramatic improvement,including Florida (+12 places), Georgia(+18),Iowa(+23),Maryland(+17),Michigan(+18),NewJersey(+26),NorthDakota(+28),andWestVirginia(+23).
Some statesperformed poorlyin 2006 andstill performed poorly years later, like theDistrict of Columbia,Illinois, Massachusetts,
Nebraska,andOregon.
P erform anc e b etwe en 2006 a nd 2012plummeted in Alabama (-28 places),California (-14), Delaware (-34, the largestdrop), Mississippi (-17), Missouri (-19),Montana(-27),andUtah(-19).
RightForKids.orgshowswhichoutcomeareasdrove a states change in performance,andprovidesstatespecicoverviewsofallkeydatapoints.
2 0 0 6 V S . 2 0 1 2 R I G H T F O R K I D S R A N K I N G
2012 2006 mOveD
2006 TO
2012STATe SCORe RANK SCORe RANKAlabama 58.8 33 68.6 5 -28
Alaska 56.6 40 53.2 45 5
Arizona 70.3 6 66.5 9 3
Arkansas 57.8 37 57.2 32 -5
California 56.4 41 59 27 -14
Colorado 69.6 7 70.3 3 -4
Connecticut 57.9 36 60.1 24 -12
Delaware 57.3 38 69.4 4 -34
DistrictofColumbia 40.9 51 52.2 46 -5
Florida 70.9 4 63.1 16 12
Georgia 66.1 12 57.5 30 18Hawaii 68.2 9 72.3 2 -7
Idaho 78.9 1 68.2 6 5
Illinois 50 48 51.4 47 -1
Indiana 62.9 24 64.2 14 -10
Iowa 64.6 15 55.4 38 23
Kansas 61.4 30 56.6 33 3
Kentucky 62.9 23 63.3 15 -8
Louisiana 61.5 29 58.8 28 -1
Maine 62.7 25 55.4 39 14
Maryland 58.4 34 43.8 51 17
Massachusetts 42.3 50 53.6 44 -6
Michigan 63.1 22 55.3 40 18
Minnesota 63.4 21 64.9 11 -10
Mississippi 55.3 43 59.8 26 -17
Missouri 62.4 26 67.8 7 -19
Montana 52.6 46 62.2 19 -27
Nebraska 53.5 44 54.6 42 -2
Nevada 61.8 28 61.8 20 -8
NewHampshire 73.6 2 64.4 12 10
NewJersey 70.7 5 57.3 31 26
NewMeico 64.4 18 62.5 17 -1
NewYork 53.4 45 55.8 35 -10
NorthCarolina 73.1 3 67.1 8 5
NorthDakota 68.9 8 55.7 36 28
Ohio 65.8 13 64.4 12 -1
Oklahoma 60.1 31 49.6 48 17
Oregon 48.9 49 49.5 49 0
Pennsylvania 64.5 16 61.3 22 6
RhodeIsland 58 35 54.4 43 8
SouthCarolina 55.3 42 56.5 34 -8
SouthDakota 51 47 54.8 41 -6
Tennessee 66.7 10 62.2 18 8
Teas 58.9 32 58.8 29 -3
Utah 63.9 20 72.5 1 -19
Vermont 56.9 39 48.4 50 11
Virginia 62.1 27 61.6 21 -6
Washington 64.1 19 61.1 23 4
WestVirginia 65.4 14 55.5 37 23
Wisconsin 64.5 17 59.9 25 8
Wyoming 66.5 11 65.1 10 -1
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SUBRANKINGSTHEBESTANDWORSTSTATESFOREACHOFTHE11OUTCOMEAREAS
Families,policymakers,themedia,andthepublicneedtounderstandwhichstatesareleadingineachspecic
outcomearea.Eachoutcomeareawasspecicallychosenaspartoftheassessmentofstateschildwelfare
systemsbecausetheywereeitheridentiedbythefederalAdministrationforChildrenandFamilies(ACF)as
beingacoreareaofchildwelfaresystemperformanceoridentiedbyrelevantresearchasbeingcoretoa
well-performingchildwelfaresystem.
Thesubrankingsforeachoutcomeareashowthosetopperformersthatmayhavepolicyorprogramstrategies
worthyofreplicationinother,lowerperformingstates.TheRightForKids.orgWebsiteallowsuserstoseetheentire
subrankingsforeachoutcomearea.Thesesubrankingsarehelpfultochildadvocatesandpolicymakersto
guidewherereformsshouldbetargetedandwhatoutcomemeasuresshouldbemonitoredassuchreformsare
implemented.
Thefollowingsectionprovidesinformationoneachofthe11outcomeareas,andeachstatesscoreandrank
foreachoftheoutcomeareas.Thehighestpossiblescoreforeachoutcomeareais10points.
Otco 1 Rdc Abs
Otco 2 Rdc Abs in Fostr Car
Otco 3 Prannt Faiis, Saf Hos
Otco 4 Rtrn Ho Qick and Saf
Otco 5 Forr Faiis ASAP
Otco 6 Hr Toda and Toorrow
Otco 7 Hop and Hos for Tns
Otco 8 Fostring A Good edcation
Otco 9 Fwr Fostr Kids
Otco 10 Rapid Rspons
Otco 11 mor Forr Faiis
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O U T C O M E 1
R E D U C E A B U S E
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Whichstatesdo thebestjob atstopping thecycleof abuseandneglect, asevidencedby childrennotrepeatedly
enteringthechildwelfaresystemforpersistentabuseandneglect?
Whichstatesachievetheultimateoutcomeofreducingtherateofabuseandneglectoverall?
Theultimategoalofawell-functioningchildwelfaresystemistoreducethechanceofachildbeingabusedonceorrepeatedly.
Infact,themostrecentFourthFederalNationalIncidenceStudy on Child Maltreatment ( NIS 4) highlight[s] animportant and potentially meaningful drop in the rateof violence toward children. The trend overall suggeststhat comprehensive prevention strategies, high-qualityclinicalinterventions,andholdingthosewhoharmchildrenaccountable for their actions have the capacity tokeepchildren safe. Sadly, even with this drop the rates ofmaltreatment are still above their reported levels in 1986and1980.4
Key ReSulTS
Percent of children without a recurrence of maltreatment (abuse or
neglect)within6months(2010data)
Rateofmaltreatmentvictimsper100,000children(2010)
Changein the rate ofmaltreatment victims per 100,000 children from2007to2010
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 6.6 18
Alaska 3.8 43
Arizona 6.4 19
Arkansas 2.8 49
California 5.3 30
Colorado 5.5 29
Connecticut 3.9 42
Delaware 5.8 26
DistrictofColumbia 2.9 48
Florida 4.1 41
Georgia 8.2 1
Hawaii 7 12
Idaho 6.9 14
Illinois 5 34
Indiana 3.3 45
Iowa 3.1 47
Kansas 7.5 4
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 4.2 38
Louisiana 6 23
Maine 5.1 32
Maryland 4.9 35Massachusetts 5.3 30
Michigan 2.8 49
Minnesota 6.8 16
Mississippi 4.6 37
Missouri 7.3 5
Montana 6.9 14
Nebraska 3.7 44
Nevada 5.8 26
NewHampshire 7.1 8
NewJersey 5.7 28
NewMeico 4.2 38
NewYork 1.4 51
NorthCarolina 6.3 21
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 7.1 8
Ohio 4.8 36
Oklahoma 7.1 8
Oregon 5.1 32Pennsylvania 7.3 7
RhodeIsland 3.3 45
SouthCarolina 5.9 24
SouthDakota 6 22
Tennessee 7.9 2
Teas 6.4 19
Utah 4.2 38
Vermont 7.3 5
Virginia 7 12
Washington 5.8 25
WestVirginia 7.7 3
Wisconsin 6.7 17
Wyoming 7 11
DID yOu KNOW
31 states reducedthe rate of conrmed
abuseorneglectvictimsfrom2007to2010.Sadly,intheother20statestheconrmed
rateofabuseandneglectincreased.
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O U T C O M E 2
R E D U C E A B U S E I N F O S T E R C A R E
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Whichstatesprotectkidsfrombeingabusedorneglectedwhileinafosterhome?
Whichstatesensurechildrenssafetywhileinfostercarebyconductingmonthlyin-homevisitswithalmostallfoster
children?
Whichstateshavea shortaverage lengthof stayforchildrenin fostercare beforereturningthemhomeor toan
adoptivefamily?
Ifachildmustberemovedfromhisorherbiologicalhome,statesmustensurethatchildisnotabusedagaininafosterhomebythefosterparents,byotherchildreninthehomeorbysomeotherpersonwithinthathome.Statescandothatbyvisitingchildrenmonthly,atthefosterhome,toensurethefosterfamilyisprovidingasafe
andnurturingenvironment,andtoprovidesupporttohardworking
fosterparents.
Fostercareshouldbeatemporarytransition,notadestination.Byreducingtheaverageamountoftimeachildremainsinfostercare,
thestatecanreducethechancethatchildwillbeabusedwhileinthesystem.Shorterstaysandaccountabilitythroughmonthlyvisitsprotectkids.
Key ReSulTS
Percent of chi ldren maltreated
whileinfostercare(2010data)
Percent of children in foster care
receivingmonthlyvisits(2010)Percent of children in foster care
receivinghomevisits(2010)
Medianlengthofstayinfostercare
(months)forchildreninfostercare
onSeptember30,2010
DID yOu KNOW
In 9 states, less than half of
all foster children are visited
each month. These states are:
Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa,
Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode
Island, Tennessee (did not report
atall),andVermont.
Foster children in the District of
Columbia and Illinois spend the
longest time in foster carea
me di an of 30 and 29 m onths,respectively. These kids spend
moretimeinfostercarethenthey
willspendatschoolforrstgrade,
second grade and third grade
combined.
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 7.7 30
Alaska 6.2 46
Arizona 8.4 13
Arkansas 7.4 35
California 7.3 36
Colorado 8.1 23
Connecticut 7.1 37
Delaware 7.6 31
DistrictofColumbia 6.4 44
Florida 9 2
Georgia 7.1 37
Hawaii 6 47
Idaho 9 2
Illinois 6 47
Indiana 8.7 8
Iowa 7.7 28
Kansas 8.7 8
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 8.4 13
Louisiana 8.8 6
Maine 8.2 19
Maryland 7 40Massachusetts 6.6 43
Michigan 7.4 34
Minnesota 8.2 19
Mississippi 7.5 33
Missouri 8.6 10
Montana 8.4 13
Nebraska 7.9 26
Nevada 7.1 37
NewHampshire 8.4 13
NewJersey 8.4 13
NewMeico 9 2
NewYork 5.1 50
NorthCarolina 8.1 23
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 7.9 27
Ohio 8.4 13
Oklahoma 8 25
Oregon 6.7 42Pennsylvania 9 2
RhodeIsland 5.6 49
SouthCarolina 7.7 28
SouthDakota 8.8 6
Tennessee 5 51
Teas 8.5 11
Utah 9.3 1
Vermont 6.2 45
Virginia 6.9 41
Washington 7.5 32
WestVirginia 8.5 11
Wisconsin 8.2 19
Wyoming 8.2 19
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O U T C O M E 3
P E R M A N E N T F A M I L I E S , S A F E H O M E S
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Whichstateshelpkidsmovetoapermanenthomebeforetheyturn18?
Whichstateshelpyoungchildrenliveinafamily-likesettingwhileinfostercare,suchasafosterhome,ratherthanat
grouphomesorastateinstitution?
Achildwhohasbeenremovedfromanabusiveorneglectfulhome should ideally be in a family-like settinga fosterfamily.Youngchildreninparticularshouldbeinfostercareovergrouphomesorinstitutions,wheneverpossible.Achildinfostercareshouldtransitiontoasafe,permanenthomeasquicklyaspossible.
Key ReSulTS
Ofallchildreninfostercarefor24monthsorlongeronthe
rstdayoftheyear,whatpercentageweredischarged
toapermanenthomepriortotheir18thbirthdayandby
theendoftheyear?(FederalCompositeOutcome3.1,
2010data)
Ofallchildrendischarged fromfoster care during 2010
and who were legally free for adoption atthe time of
discharge (i.e., there was a parental rights termination
datereportedtotheAdoptionandFosterCareAnalysis
and Reporting System (AFCARS) and Families for both
motherandfather),whatpercentageweredischargedto
apermanenthomepriortotheir18thbirthday?(Federal
CompositeOutcome3.2,2010)
O f a ll chi ld ren who e nt er ed car e du ri ng t he 2 01 0
scalyearand were age 12or younger attimeof this
placement,what percentage were in group homes or
institutions?(2010)
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 7 18
Alaska 8.2 3
Arizona 7.5 12
Arkansas 5.1 37California 6.3 27
Colorado 6.7 25
Connecticut 3.1 49
Delaware 5.8 32
DistrictofColumbia 5.2 35
Florida 6.7 23
Georgia 6.9 19
Hawaii 5.1 37
Idaho 8.2 3
Illinois 6.8 22
Indiana 7.5 12
Iowa 6.9 21
Kansas 6 31
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 5 41
Louisiana 7.7 8
Maine 5.5 33
Maryland 5.2 35Massachusetts 5.1 37
Michigan 7.6 10
Minnesota 2.6 51
Mississippi 5.1 37
Missouri 6.9 19
Montana 3.7 47
Nebraska 7.6 10
Nevada 7.1 16
NewHampshire 7.8 7
NewJersey 8.5 1
NewMeico 6.6 26
NewYork 6.3 27
NorthCarolina 7.1 16
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 6.1 29
Ohio 4.9 42
Oklahoma 4.1 46
Oregon 7.4 14Pennsylvania 8.3 2
RhodeIsland 4.4 45
SouthCarolina 3.3 48
SouthDakota 2.7 50
Tennessee 7.8 6
Teas 4.7 44
Utah 6.1 29
Vermont 6.7 23
Virginia 5.5 33
Washington 7.7 8
WestVirginia 8 5
Wisconsin 7.2 15
Wyoming 4.9 43
DID yOu KNOW
South Carolina and Minnesota place
young children in institutions and groups
homesatthreetimesthenationalaverage.
On the positive side, Delaware, Kansas,
Loui si ana , Or egon, a nd Wa shington
placedkidsingroupsettings atlessthan
one-thirdthenationalaverage.
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O U T C O M E 4
R E T U R N H O M E Q U I C K L Y A N D S A F E L Y
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Whichstatesquicklyreturnchildrentotheirbiologicalfamilieswheneverpossibleandap propriate?
Whichstatesare successfulinthesereunicationsasevidencedby childrennotreenteringfostercarebecauseof
recurringabuseandneglectintheirbiologicalhome?
Wheneversafe,possibleandappropriate,childrenshouldtransitionbacktotheirbiologicalhomeasquicklyaspossible.Obviously,thebiologicalparent(s)mustsuccessfullyaddressthecauseofthemaltreatmentthat
forcedtheirchildintofostercareintherstplace.
Key ReSulTS
Timetoreunication-medianlengthofstay(2010data) Of all children discharged from foster care to reunication
during the year who hadbeen incarefor 8 days orlonger,
whatpercentagewerereuniedinlessthan12monthsfromthe
dateofthelatestremovalfromhome?(Includestrialhomevisit
adjustment,FederalCompositeMeasure1.1,2010)
Of all children discharged from foster care to reunication
during the year who had been incarefor 8 days orlonger,
what was the median length ofstay(months)fromthedate
ofthelatest removal from home untilthe date ofdischarge
toreunication?(Includes trialhomevisitadjustment,Federal
CompositeMeasure1.2,2010)
Ofall childrendischargedfromfostercare toreunication in
the12-monthperiodpriortotheyearshown,whatpercentagereentered care in less than 12 months from the date of
discharge?(FederalCompositeMeasure1.4,2010)
DID yOu KNOW
Reunifyingfamiliesistoughwork,butsomestates do it quickly and well. Arkansas,
Idaho, and Kentucky seemed to have
gured it out. New York and Vermont
haveworktodo.
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 5.4 34
Alaska 5.6 29
Arizona 5.2 38
Arkansas 8.8 1California 5.1 39
Colorado 6.8 8
Connecticut 5 41
Delaware 6.2 20
DistrictofColumbia 3.8 48
Florida 6.3 18
Georgia 6.2 20
Hawaii 6.4 16
Idaho 7.3 3
Illinois 1.8 51
Indiana 6.6 10
Iowa 6.4 14
Kansas 6.1 22
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 7.4 2
Louisiana 6 23
Maine 4.8 43
Maryland 4.3 47Massachusetts 5.7 28
Michigan 5 41
Minnesota 6.7 9
Mississippi 7.1 4
Missouri 5.6 29
Montana 4.7 44
Nebraska 5.6 29
Nevada 6.6 10
NewHampshire 5.3 36
NewJersey 5.8 25
NewMeico 5.4 35
NewYork 3.1 50
NorthCarolina 5.7 27
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 6.5 12
Ohio 6.3 18
Oklahoma 5.1 39
Oregon 5.9 24Pennsylvania 4.4 46
RhodeIsland 4.7 44
SouthCarolina 6.4 16
SouthDakota 6.9 7
Tennessee 7.1 4
Teas 5.8 25
Utah 7 6
Vermont 3.6 49
Virginia 5.6 29
Washington 6.4 14
WestVirginia 5.5 33
Wisconsin 5.3 36
Wyoming 6.5 12
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O U T C O M E 5
F O R E V E R F A M I L I E S A S A P
meASuRING SuCCeSS Whichstatesquicklymovechildrenfreedforadoptioninto
foreverfamilies(ideallywithin12months)?
Which stateshave a majorityof children removed from
an abusive hometransition to an adoptive family within
24months,ensuringno morethan2 yearsin foster care
beforegettinganew,safeforeverfamily?
Whichstatesmovechildrentoadoptionafterthey have
beenlanguishinginfostercareforatleast17months?
When transitioning back to their biological family or a relative is notpossible, children shouldmove quicklyto a safe, appropriate adoptive
familyasquicklyaspossible.Studiesshowthatanadoptivefamily,notfostercare,isthefavorablehomeenvironment.Comparedtochildreninfostercare,adoptedchildrenaremorelikelytobelivingwithamarriedmother and father (71% compared to 56%); three times more likely tobenanciallysecure;andmorelikelytoliveinasafeneighborhood.Inaddition,childreninadoptedfamiliesrequirelesstapayersupportthanchildreninfostercareorsimilarchildrenlivinginsingle-parentfamilies. 5
Key ReSulTS
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 2.1 46
Alaska 3.7 21
Arizona 5.4 2Arkansas 4.9 8
California 3.1 37
Colorado 4.5 11
Connecticut 3.4 32
Delaware 3.6 23
DistrictofColumbia 1.6 48
Florida 5 7
Georgia 3.1 38
Hawaii 3.6 2 6
Idaho 4.9 8
Illinois 0.8 50
Indiana 3.8 18
Iowa 5.1 5
Kansas 3.6 23
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 3.2 35
Louisiana 3.3 34
Maine 4 15Maryland 1.3 49
Massachusetts 2.1 46
Michigan 3.5 27
Minnesota 3.3 33
Mississippi 3.6 23
Missouri 4.5 10
Montana 2.7 41
Nebraska 4 15
Nevada 2.5 44
NewHampshire 3.9 17
NewJersey 3.5 29
NewMeico 4.4 12
NewYork 0.7 51
NorthCarolina 4.1 14
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 5.2 3
Ohio 3.2 35
Oklahoma 3.5 27Oregon 2.4 45
Pennsylvania 3.7 21
RhodeIsland 4.1 13
SouthCarolina 2.5 43
SouthDakota 2.9 40
Tennessee 5.1 4
Teas 3.5 29
Utah 8 1
Vermont 5 6
Virginia 2.5 42
Washington 3 39
WestVirginia 3.5 29
Wisconsin 3.8 19
Wyoming 3.7 20
DID yOu KNOW
Fourstatestakeanaverageofatleast40
months to move a child from an abusive
hometoanadoptivefamily.Thesestates
are Illinois, Maryland, New York, and
Washington,DC.Forperspective,theCivil
War was just under 48 months. Only one
state, Utah, moves children to a forever
familyinlessthan18months.
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Botto 10 stats Portionofchildrenmovedtoadoption:
Lessthan12monthstoadoption(2010data)
Lessthan24monthstoadoption(2010)
Lessthan36monthstoadoption(2010)
Lessthan48monthstoadoption(2010)
48ormoremonthstoadoption(2010)
Of a ll chi ld ren d ischarged f rom fos te r care
to a nalized adoption during the year, what
percentage were d ischarged in less than 24
monthsfromthedateofthelatestremovalfrom
home?(FederalCompositeMeasure2.1,2010)
Ofall children dischargedfromfoster care toa
nalizedadoptionduringtheyear,whatwasthe
medianlengthofstayincare(inmonths)fromthe
dateoflatestremovalfromthehometothedate
of discharge to adoption? (Federal Composite
Measure2.2,2010)
Ofallchildreninfostercareontherstdayofthe
yearwhowereincarefor17continuousmonthsorlonger(andwho,bythelastdayoftheyear,were
notdischargedfromfostercarewithadischarge
reason of reunication, l iv ing with relative, or
guardianship),whatpercentageweredischarged
fromfostercaretoanalizedadoptionbythelast
dayoftheyear?(FederalCompositeMeasure2.3,
2010)
Ofallchildreninfostercareontherstdayofthe
yearwhowereincarefor17continuousmonthsor
longer,andwhowerenotlegallyfreeforadoption
priorto that day(i.e., there wasnot a parental
rights termination date reported to AFCARS for
both mother and father) , what percentage
becamelegallyfreeforadoptionduringtherst6monthsoftheyear?(FederalCompositeMeasure
2.4,2010)
Of a ll chi ldren who became legal ly f ree for
adoptioninthe12-monthperiodpriortotheyear
shown(i.e.,therewasaparentalrightstermination
date reported to AFCARS for both mother and
father), what percentage were discharged from
fostercaretoanalizedadoptioninlessthan12
monthsfrom thedate of becoming legallyfree?
(FederalCompositeMeasure2.5,2010)
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O U T C O M E 6
H E R E T O D A Y . . . A N D T O M O R R O W
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Whichsta tesensurechi ldreninfostercar ehaveastableenviro nmentasevidenc edbyjustoneortwomoves(typica lly
oneortwofosterhomes,maimum)?
Whichstatesensurechildreninfostercarehavea stableenvironmenteveniftheyremaininfostercarefora yearor
moreorevenmorethantwoyears?
Whennotwithhisorherownfamily,achildsufferingfrom
abuse or neglect should not be further traumatized bymultiple moves from one newsettingto another. Studiesshow that Frequent moves may result in children losingcontact with siblings, other family members, friends andadultsintheircommunitywhomayhavebeeninvolvedin
theirlives,suchasneighbors,coaches,religiousleadersandothers. This further placesthe childrenat risk ofemotionalandbehavioralproblemsandothernegativeoutcomes. 6
Key ReSulTS
Ofallchildrenservedinfostercareduringtheyearwhowerein
careforatleast8daysbutlessthan12months,whatpercentage
had two or fewer placement settings? (Federal Composite
Measure4.1,2010data)
Ofallchildrenservedinfostercareduringtheyearwhowerein
careforatleast12months,whatpercentagehadtwoorfewer
placementsettings?(FederalCompositeMeasure4.2,2010)
Ofallchildrenservedinfostercareduringtheyearwhowerein
careforatleast24months,whatpercentagehadtwoorfewer
placementsettings?(FederalCompositeMeasure4.3,2010)
DID yOu KNOW
The longer a child remains in foster care,
themorelikelyheorshewillbouncefrom
onefosterhometoanother.Whileonlyoneinsixkidsinfostercareforlessthanayear
liveinatleastthreedifferentfosterhomes
(couldincludegrouphomesorinstitutions),
that rate increases to four in six kids for
thoseinfostercaremorethantwoyears.
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 3.1 44
Alaska 8.8 3
Arizona 7.4 11Arkansas 1.5 49
California 5.6 29
Colorado 6.6 20
Connecticut 6.5 23
Delaware 5.4 32
DistrictofColumbia 3.6 42
Florida 5.7 28
Georgia 2.1 45
Hawaii 7.6 9
Idaho 6.6 21
Illinois 7.2 16
Indiana 7.4 11
Iowa 5.5 30
Kansas 4.5 36
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 6.3 26
Louisiana 3.2 43
Maine 7.2 16Maryland 8.8 3
Massachusetts 2.1 45
Michigan 8.1 7
Minnesota 5.4 32
Mississippi 4.4 37
Missouri 4 40
Montana 6.3 26
Nebraska 5.1 34
Nevada 5.5 30
NewHampshire 6.6 21
NewJersey 8.4 6
NewMeico 4.4 38
NewYork 9 2
NorthCarolina 9.5 1
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 6.4 24
Ohio 8.6 5
Oklahoma 1.1 50Oregon 7 18
Pennsylvania 7.3 14
RhodeIsland 7 18
SouthCarolina 1.9 47
SouthDakota 4.3 39
Tennessee 4.9 35
Teas 4 40
Utah 1.8 48
Vermont 0.8 51
Virginia 7.3 14
Washington 7.5 10
WestVirginia 7.3 13
Wisconsin 7.9 8
Wyoming 6.4 24
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O U T C O M E 7
H O P E A N D H O M E S F O R T E E N S
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Whichstatesdonotgiveuponteenagersbutinsteadhelp
themmovetoasafe,permanenthome?
Whichstates prevent teens fromever getting intofoster
care by moving them into a permanent home quickly
whentheyenterfostercareasapre-teen?
Whichstateshelp teenagersin foster carend adoptive
families?
States have a particular responsibil ity to ensure thatteenage foster children successfully move to permanent
homes and not just run out the clock on the foster caresystem. These teenagers who age out of the system
struggleacademically,struggletoholdjobs,moreheavilyrelyonpublicassistance,areathigherriskformentalandphysicalhealthproblemsandhavehigherratesofincarceration. 7
Key ReSulTS
Ofallchildrenwho,duringtheyear shown,either1) weredischarged
fromfostercarepriortoage18withadischargereasonofemancipation,
or2)reachedtheir18thbirthdaywhileinfostercare,whatpercentage
wereinfostercarefor3yearsorlonger?(FederalCompositeMeasure
3.3,2010data)
Rateofteenagersinfostercareper100,000children(2010)
Change inrate ofteenagers infostercare per100,000children from
2007to2010(2010data)
Rateofteenageadoptionsfromfostercareper1,000fosterteens(2010)
Changeinrateofteenageadoptionsfromfostercareper1,000fosterteensfrom2007to2010(2010)
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 6.6 1
Alaska 4 38
Arizona 4.5 25
Arkansas 4.6 23California 4.3 31
Colorado 4.9 13
Connecticut 4.1 36
Delaware 6 3
DistrictofColumbia 3.7 47
Florida 4.7 18
Georgia 5 10
Hawaii 5.4 6
Idaho 4.8 17
Illinois 3.8 45
Indiana 3.8 43
Iowa 5.3 8
Kansas 4.9 13
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 5 10
Louisiana 4.7 21
Maine 3.8 45
Maryland 4.1 35Massachusetts 4.6 23
Michigan 4.5 25
Minnesota 4.8 16
Mississippi 4 37
Missouri 4 38
Montana 3.1 51
Nebraska 4.5 25
Nevada 3.9 42
NewHampshire 4 38
NewJersey 4 41
NewMeico 4.3 31
NewYork 4.3 30
NorthCarolina 4.5 25
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 4.9 13
Ohio 4.2 33
Oklahoma 4.5 25
Oregon 3.2 50Pennsylvania 5.5 5
RhodeIsland 5.6 4
SouthCarolina 4.2 33
SouthDakota 3.5 49
Tennessee 4.7 18
Teas 3.8 43
Utah 4.6 22
Vermont 5 10
Virginia 5.1 9
Washington 3.6 48
WestVirginia 5.4 6
Wisconsin 4.7 18
Wyoming 6.3 2
DID yOu KNOW
Some states are leaders in moving
teenage foster kids to adoptive homes:
Alabama,Alaska,Arizona,Florida,Idaho,
NewMeico,andOklahoma.Sadly,even
these states, on average, helped just 11
outofevery1,000teenagefosterchildren
ndanadoptivefamilyin2010.
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O U T C O M E 8
F O S T E R I N G A G O O D E D U C A T I O N
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Statesdonotuniformlyreportonafosterchildseducationaloutcomes.However,theliteratureshowsthathaving
afosterchildliveinastablehome(notbouncingtodifferentfosterhomesand,often,differentschools),aswellas
ultimatelymovingthatchildintoasafe,permanenthomearekeyindicatorsofacademicsuccess.
Whichstatesprovidestablehomesforchildreninfostercare,ensuring
theyhavethebestchancetosucceedacademically?
Whichstateshelpfosterchildrenquicklymovetoa safepermanent
home,eitherthroughreturningtotheirbiologicalfamilies(inlessthan
12months)ortoadoptivefamilies(inlessthan24months)?
Althoughfosterchildrenseducationoutcomesarenotdirectly
trackedbythefederalgovernment,studiesshowthatfewerhomeplacementsandachievingpermanencyarebothkeyindicatorsoffutureacademicsuccess. 8Academicsuccessiscriticaltobetteremployment,incomeandqualityoflifeindicators.
Key ReSulTS
Indicatorofgreateracademicsuccessfewerplacements
ScoreforOutcome6HereTodayAndTomorrow(2010data)
Indicatoroflikelyacademicsuccesspermanencythroughadoption
orreunication
Ofallchildrenwhoenteredfostercareforthersttimeinthe6-month
periodjustpriortotheyearshown,andwhoremainedincarefor8
daysorlonger,whatpercentageweredischargedfromfostercaretoreunicationinlessthan12monthsfromthedateofthelatestremoval
fromhome?(Includestrialhomevisitadjustment,FederalComposite
Measure1.3,2010)
Ofallchildrendischargedfrom foster care to a nalized adoption
during theyear, what percentage were discharged in less than 24
months from the date of the latest removal from home? (Federal
CompositeMeasure2.1,2010)
DID yOu KNOW
Quickly and safely moving children
back with theirbiologicalfamilies or
on toadoptive homes requires skills,
focus and persistence by all parties
involved. The top ve states thatsuccessfully and quickly do both, in
rank order, are Arkansas, Colorado,
Utah,Minnesota,andTennessee.
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 3 47
Alaska 6.1 11
Arizona 5.8 17
Arkansas 4.2 37California 4.9 30
Colorado 6.9 2
Connecticut 5.3 24
Delaware 4.6 33
DistrictofColumbia 2.3 50
Florida 5.1 28
Georgia 2.9 48
Hawaii 6.4 4
Idaho 6.3 8
Illinois 3.8 42
Indiana 5.9 16
Iowa 5.9 15
Kansas 3.9 40
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 5.4 21
Louisiana 3.7 43
Maine 5.3 24
Maryland 5.3 26Massachusetts 3.1 46
Michigan 5.4 21
Minnesota 6 13
Mississippi 4.7 32
Missouri 3.9 41
Montana 4.5 34
Nebraska 4.8 31
Nevada 4.4 36
NewHampshire 5.4 21
NewJersey 6.6 3
NewMeico 4.1 38
NewYork 6.1 11
NorthCarolina 6.3 5
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 5.5 19
Ohio 7 1
Oklahoma 1.7 51
Oregon 5.5 19Pennsylvania 6 13
RhodeIsland 6.2 10
SouthCarolina 3.6 44
SouthDakota 4.5 34
Tennessee 5.7 18
Teas 3.5 45
Utah 4.1 39
Vermont 2.6 49
Virginia 5 29
Washington 5.2 27
WestVirginia 6.3 5
Wisconsin 6.3 9
Wyoming 6.3 5
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O U T C O M E 9
F E W E R F O S T E R K I D S
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Whichstatesdothebestjoboverallofreducingthenumberofchildreninfostercare?
Whichstateshavethelowestshareofchildreninfostercareata nygiventime?
A natural outcome of a well-functioningchild welfare system isfewer kidsbeing abused, kidswho remaininthesystemashortertimebeforereturninghomeormovingtoanewadoptivefamily,and,subsequently,fewerchildreninfostercareoverall.Infact,from2000to2009,thetotalnumberofchildreninfostercaredropped22%. 9
Key ReSulTS
Rateofchildreninfostercareper100,000children(2010data)
Change in the rate children in foster care per 100,000childrenfrom2007to2010(2010)
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 5.5 31
Alaska 3.9 49
Arizona 4.5 43
Arkansas 4.8 38California 6.2 18
Colorado 5.8 24
Connecticut 6.3 14
Delaware 7.8 2
DistrictofColumbia 1.8 51
Florida 7 5
Georgia 7.8 3
Hawaii 7.8 3
Idaho 6.5 10
Illinois 4.9 37
Indiana 3.2 50
Iowa 5.7 30
Kansas 4.8 38
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 5.1 35
Louisiana 6.3 14
Maine 6.1 19
Maryland 6.4 13Massachusetts 5.5 31
Michigan 5.7 25
Minnesota 6.6 8
Mississippi 4.8 38
Missouri 5.1 35
Montana 4.3 44
Nebraska 4.2 46
Nevada 4.8 38
NewHampshire 6.5 10
NewJersey 5.9 22
NewMeico 6.7 7
NewYork 5.4 33
NorthCarolina 6.3 14
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 5.3 34
Ohio 6 20
Oklahoma 8.1 1
Oregon 4.1 48Pennsylvania 6.5 10
RhodeIsland 6.3 14
SouthCarolina 6 20
SouthDakota 4.8 38
Tennessee 5.9 22
Teas 5.7 25
Utah 5.7 25
Vermont 6.6 8
Virginia 7 5
Washington 4.2 46
WestVirginia 4.3 44
Wisconsin 5.7 25
Wyoming 5.7 25
DID yOu KNOW
The seven stateswith the largestdropin
thenumberofchildreninfostercarefrom
2007 to 2010: Delaware, Georgia, Iowa,
Hawaii, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and
Vermont.Someofthesestateshaveahigh
rateofchildreninfostercare,buttheyare
rapidlymovingintherightdirection.
T he top ve state s that r edu ced the
number of children in foster care overtime AND had a low number of kids in
fostercarein2010are:Delaware,Florida,
Georgia,HawaiiandOklahoma.
Top 10 stats
Botto 10 stats
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O U T C O M E 1 0
R A P I D R E S P O N S E
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Whichstatesrapidlyrespondtoandinvestigateallegationsofabuseorneglect?
Toreducetheriskoffurtherabuseorneglect,statesmustrespondtoallegationsofchildabuseasquicklyaspossible.Forachildbeingabusedorneglected,aslowresponsecouldmeanpermanentinjuryorevendeath.
Key ReSulTS
Howlongittakesthestatetorespondtoana llegationofabuse-TimetoInvestigation-Mean(average,2010data)
Howlongittakesthestatetorespondtoanallegationofabuse-TimetoInvestigation-Median(midpoint,24-hour
range,2010data)
DID yOu KNOW
The average time between receiving
a report of abuse or neglect and
launchingan investigationis less than 24
hours in 11 states: Colorado, District of
Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
TennesseeandWyoming.
13 sta tes ta ke l onge r than 120 hou rs
(5 days) to respond. For an abused or
neglectedchild,thiscouldmeananotherve days living in an abusive home
becauseofbureaucraticdelay.Itcould
also mean the difference between life
anddeath.
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 8.5 21
Alaska 0 4 8
Arizona 8.3 26
Arkansas 7.5 29California 5.5 41
Colorado 9.7 6
Connecticut 8.5 21
Delaware 2.3 46
DistrictofColumbia 8.9 17
Florida 9.8 4
Georgia 9.6 9
Hawaii 6.3 38
Idaho 8.4 24
Illinois 9 16
Indiana 9.6 9
Iowa 10 1
Kansas 8.3 26
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 9.4 13
Louisiana 5.8 40
Maine 7.3 31
Maryland 7 36Massachusetts 0 48
Michigan 8.3 26
Minnesota 8.6 19
Mississippi 7.1 35
Missouri 9.6 9
Montana 6.4 37
Nebraska 4 45
Nevada 8.9 17
NewHampshire 9.7 6
NewJersey 9.7 6
NewMeico 7.3 31
NewYork 10 1
NorthCarolina 8.6 19
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 9.2 15
Ohio 9.6 9
Oklahoma 7.2 34
Oregon 0 48Pennsylvania 0 48
RhodeIsland 8.5 21
SouthCarolina 9.4 13
SouthDakota 4.7 44
Tennessee 10 1
Teas 7.3 31
Utah 6.1 39
Vermont 7.5 29
Virginia 5.5 41
Washington 8.4 24
WestVirginia 1.7 47
Wisconsin 5.3 43
Wyoming 9.8 4
Top 10 stats
Botto 10 stats
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O U T C O M E 1 1
M O R E F O R E V E R F A M I L I E S
meASuRING SuCCeSS
Whichstatesdothebestjobatmovingchildreninfostercaretoa doption?
Whichstateshavemostdramaticallyincreasedtherateofadoptionsfromfostercarefrom2007to2010?
Whennotappropriateorpossibleforachildtoremainwithhisorherbiologicalfamily,thatchilddeservesasafe,permanentandlovingadoptivefamily.
Key ReSulTS
Rateofadoptionsfromfostercareper100fosterchildren(2010data)
Changeintherateofadoptionsfromchildreninfostercareper100fosterchildrenfrom2007to2010
STATe SCORe RANK
Alabama 3.3 32
Alaska 6.3 13
Arizona 6.9 9
Arkansas 6.2 14California 2.8 37
Colorado 4.1 28
Connecticut 4.7 24
Delaware 2.2 42
DistrictofColumbia 0.7 51
Florida 7.5 5
Georgia 7.2 6
Hawaii 6.6 10
Idaho 10 1
Illinois 0.9 50
Indiana 3.1 34
Iowa 3 35
Kansas 3.1 33
STATe SCORe RANK
Kentucky 3.5 30
Louisiana 6 15
Maine 5.4 18
Maryland 4.1 28Massachusetts 2.2 42
Michigan 4.8 21
Minnesota 4.4 25
Mississippi 2.4 40
Missouri 2.9 36
Montana 1.6 48
Nebraska 2.1 44
Nevada 5.2 19
NewHampshire 8.9 3
NewJersey 4.2 27
NewMeico 8 4
NewYork 2 45
NorthCarolina 6.6 10
STATe SCORe RANK
NorthDakota 4.8 21
Ohio 2.8 37
Oklahoma 9.7 2
Oregon 1.6 48Pennsylvania 6.5 12
RhodeIsland 2.3 41
SouthCarolina 4.4 25
SouthDakota 1.9 46
Tennessee 2.6 39
Teas 5.7 16
Utah 7 8
Vermont 5.6 17
Virginia 4.7 23
Washington 4.8 20
WestVirginia 7.2 7
Wisconsin 3.4 31
Wyoming 1.7 47
DID yOu KNOW
Just ve states had at least one in ve
fosterchildren move to a forever family:
Arizona, Idaho, New Hampshire, New
Meico,andOklahoma.
Ninestateshadadramaticimprovement
intherateofadoptionsfromfostercare
from 2007 to 2010, increasing at least
5 percentage points: Florida, Georgia,
Idaho, Louisiana, New Hampshire, NewMeico,Pennsylvania,andWestVirginia.
Montana and Tennessee had a steep
dropintherateofadoptionsfrom2007to
2010.
Top 10 stats
Botto 10 stats
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R A N K I N G M E T H O D O L O G Y
ThefederalACFmakescomprehensivedataavailableinitsChildWelfareOutcomesReportData. 10ACFuses
dataprovidedbythestatesthroughtheNationalChildAbuseandNeglectDataSystem(NCANDS)andthe
AdoptionandFosterCareAnalysisandReportingSystem(AFCARS).
TheRIGHT FORKIDS RANKINGhas 11major outcome categories, with 41 data measures and a total of110
possiblepoints.Eachoutcomecategoryhasatotalpossiblescoreof10points.Thestatewiththebestscore
foraparticulardatameasure(eitherthehighestorlowestvalue,dependingonwhatispreferred)wasawarded
themaimumnumberofpoints.Thestatewiththeworstscoreforaparticulardatameasureisawardedzero
points.Allotherstatesareproratedbetweenthisminimumandmaimumscore.Notonlyweredatameasures
calculated for 2010, the most recentyear available, butwhenever possible andpractical, stateswere also
awardedpointsbasedonwhethertheyimprovedtheirperformanceforkeydatameasuresoverthepastfour
years.Somestatesdidnotreportforaparticulardataoutcomein2010(or2006forthe2006Rankings).Inthesecases,themostrecentlyreportedyearwasused(2009or2008,and2005and2004forthe2006Rankings).Ifa
statedidnotreportonaparticularoutcomeforthreeyears,itreceivedzeropointsforthatdataoutcomefor
thatyear.
Thisapproachtocalculatingscoreshastwodistinctadvantages.Itrewardsstatesthatmoveintherightdirection
(but maystillneedtomake signicantimprovement)andpenalizesstates thatmove inthewrongdirection
(regardlessoftheirperformancein2010).
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D E T A I L E D O U T C O M E S S U M M A R Y T A B L E
OuTCOmeNumBeR
SHORTTITle DeSCRIPTION DATA meASuRe yeAR
WHATSPOSITIve(highror owrscor)
WeIGHT(10 ptsach
otco)lARGeSTvAlue
lOWeSTvAlue
Total 110
Outcom 1 RducAbus
Reducerecurrenceofchildabuseand/orneglect&reducenumberofvictimsof
maltreatment
Percentofchildrenwithoutarecurrenceofmaltreatment(abuseorneglect)within6months 2010 Higher 3.34 98.8 87.7
Rateofmaltreatmentvictimsper100,000children 2010 Lower 3.33 2464 134
Changeintherateofmaltreatmentvictimsper100,000childrenfrom2007to2010(howmanyfewer(-)/more(+))
2010 Lower 3.33 374 -762
Outcom 2 RducAbus in
Fostr Car
Reducetheincidenceofchildabuseand/orneglectinfostercare
Percentofchildrenmaltreatedwhileinfostercare 2010 Lower 2 2.33 0.0
Percentofchildreninfostercarereceivinghomevisits 2010 Higher 2 96 0
Percentofchildreninfostercarereceivingmonthlyvisits 2010 Higher 3 100 0
MedianlengthofstayinfostercareforchildreninfostercareonSeptember30,2010 2010 Lower 3 29.6 8.6
Outcom 3 PranntFailis,
Saf Hos
Increasepermanencyforchildreninfoster
care&reduceplacementofyoung
childreningrouphomesorinstitutions
Ofallchildreninfostercarefor24monthsorlongerontherstdayoftheyear,whatpercentageweredischargedtoapermanenthomepriortotheir18thbirthdayandbytheendoftheyear?(FederalCompositeOutcome3.1)
2010 Higher 3.34 49.2 13.5
Ofallchildrendischargedfromfostercareduring2010,andwhowerelegallyfreeforadoptionatthetimeofdischarge(i.e.,therewasaparentalrightsterminationdatereportedtoAFCARSforbothmotherandfather),whatpercentageweredischargedtoapermanenthomepriortotheir18thbirthday?(FederalCompositeOutcome3.2)
2010 Higher 3.33 100 80.9
Ofallchildrenwhoenteredcareduringthescalyearandwereage12oryoungerattimeofthisplacement,whatpercentagewereingrouphomesorinstitutions?
2009 Lower 3.33 19.5 1
Outcom 4 RturnHo
Quickly andSafly
Reducetimeinfostercaretoreunication
withoutincreasingreentry
Timetoreunication-medianlengthofstay 2010 Lower 2.5 29.6 8.6
Ofallchildrendischargedfromfostercaretoreunicationduringtheyearwhohadbeenincarefor8daysorlonger,whatpercentagewerereuniedinlessthan12monthsfromthedateofthelatestremovalfromhome?(Includestrialhomevisitadjustment,FederalCompositeMeasure1.1)
2010 Higher 2.5 91.3 45.5
Ofallchildrendischargedfromfostercaretoreunicationduringtheyearwhohadbeenincarefor8daysorlonger,whatwasthemedianlengthofstay(inmonths)fromthedateofthelatestremovalfromhomeuntilthedateofdischargetoreunication?(Includestrialhomevisitadjustment,FederalCompositeMeasure1.2)
2010 Lower 2.5 13.9 1.7
Ofallchildrendischargedfromfostercaretoreunicationinthe12-monthperiodpriortotheyearshown,whatpercentagereenteredcareinlessthan12monthsfromthedateofdischarge?(FederalCompositeMeasure1.4)
2010 Lower 2.5 25.7 2
Outcom 5 ForvrFailis
ASAP
Reducetimebetweenfostercareand
adoption
PortionofchildrenmovedtoadoptioninLessthan12monthstoadoption 2010 Higher 3 32.8 0.8
Lessthan24monthstoadoption 2010 Higher 0.5 86.1 7
Lessthan36monthstoadoption 2010 Higher 0.5 93.9 29.4
Lessthan48monthstoadoption 2010 Higher 0.5 97.7 54.3
48ormoremonthstoadoption 2010 Lower 0.5 45.8 2.2
Ofallchildrendischargedfromfostercaretoanalizedadoptionduringtheyear,whatpercentageweredischargedinlessthan24monthsfromthedateofthelatestremovalfromhome?(FederalCompositeMeasure2.1)
2010 Higher 1 86.1 6.9
Ofallchildrendischargedfromfostercaretoanalizedadoptionduringtheyear,whatwasthemedianlengthofstayincare(inmonths)fromthedateoflatestremovalfromthehometothedateofdischargetoadoption?(FederalCompositeMeasure2.2)
2010 Lower 1 45.6 14.4
Ofallchildreninfostercareontherstdayoftheyearwhowereincarefor17continuousmonthsorlonger(andwho,bythelastdayoftheyear,werenotdischargedfromfostercarewithadischargereasonofreunication,livingwithrelative,orguardianship),whatpercentageweredischargedfromfostercaretoanalizedadoptionbythelastdayoftheyear?(FederalCompositeMeasure2.3)
2010 Higher 1 46.4 13
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OuTCOmeNumBeR
SHORTTITle DeSCRIPTION DATA meASuRe yeAR
WHATSPOSITIve
(highror owrscor)
WeIGHT(10 ptsach
otco)lARGeSTvAlue
lOWeSTvAlue
Ofallchildreninfostercareontherstdayoftheyearwhowereincarefor17continuousmonthsorlonger,andwhowerenotlegallyfreeforadoptionpriortothatday(i.e.,therewasnotaparentalrightsterminationdatereportedtoAFCARSforbothmotherandfather),whatpercentagebecamelegallyfreeforadoptionduringtherst6monthsoftheyear?(FederalCompositeMeasure2.4)
2010 Higher 1 30.8 2
Ofallchildrenwhobecamelegallyfreeforadoptioninthe12-monthperiodpriortotheyearshown(i.e.,therewasaparentalrightsterminationdatereportedtoAFCARSforbothmotherandfather),whatpercentageweredischargedfromfostercaretoanalizedadoptioninlessthan12monthsfromthedateofbecominglegallyfree?(FederalCompositeMeasure2.5)
2010 Higher 1 85.5 25.5
Outcom 6 HrToday
AndToorrow
Increaseplacementstability
Ofallchildrenservedinfostercareduringtheyearwhowereincareforatleast8daysbutlessthan12months,whatpercentagehadtwoorfewerplacementsettings?(FederalCompositeMeasure4.1)
2010 Higher 3.33 92.1 69.5
Ofallchildrenservedinfostercareduringtheyearwhowereincareforatleast12months,whatpercentagehadtwoorfewerplacementsettings?(FederalCompositeMeasure4.2)
2010 Higher 3.33 76.3 44.4
Ofallchildrenservedinfostercareduringtheyearwhowereincareforatleast24months,whatpercentagehadtwoorfewerplacementsettings?(FederalCompositeMeasure4.3)
2010 Higher 3.34 47.5 14.9
Outcom 7 Hop andHos for
Tns
Achievetimelypermanencyfor
teenagers
Ofallchildrenwho,duringtheyearshown,either1)weredischargedfromfostercarepriortoage18withadischargereasonofemancipation,or2)reachedtheir18thbirthdaywhileinfostercare,whatpercentagewereinfostercarefor3yearsorlonger?(FederalCompositeMeasure3.3)
2010 Lower 2 67.4 13.4
Rateofteenagersinfostercareper100,000children 2010 Lower 2 951 78
Changeintherateofteenagersinfostercareper100,000childrenfrom2007to2010(howmanyfewer(-)/more(+))
2010 Lower 2 8 -183
Rateofteenageadoptionsfromfostercareper1,000fosterteens 2010 Higher 2 26.63 1
Changeinrateofteenageadoptionsfromfostercareper1,000fosterteensfrom2007to2010 2010 Higher 2 15.26 -72.33
Outcom8
FostrA Good
education
Achievebettereducation
outcomesforthoseinfostercare
ScoreforOutcome6-Increaseplacementstability 2010 Higher 5 9.5 0.8
Ofallchildrenwhoenteredfostercareforthersttimeinthe6-monthperiodjustpriortotheyearshown,andwhoremainedincarefor8daysorlonger,whatpercentageweredischargedfromfostercaretoreunicationinlessthan12monthsfromthedateofthelatestremovalfromhome?(Includestrialhomevisitadjustment,FederalCompositeMeasure1.3)
2010 Higher 2.5 62.3 16.6
Ofallchildrendischargedfromfostercaretoanalizedadoptionduringtheyear,whatpercentageweredischargedinlessthan24monthsfromthedateofthelatestremovalfromhome?(FederalCompositeMeasure2.1)
2010 Higher 2.5 86.1 6.9
Outcom9
FwrFostr Kids
Reducenumberofkidsinfostercare
Rateofchildreninfostercareper100,000children 2010 Lower 5 1814 273
Changeintheratechildreninfostercareper100,000childrenfrom2007to2010 2010 Lower 5 96 -457
Outcom10
RapidRspons
Respondtimelytoallegationsofabuseorneglect
Howlongdoesittakesthestatetorespondtoanallegationofabuse-TimetoInvestigation-Mean(average)
2010 Lower 5 340.7 0
Howlongdoesittakesthestatetorespondtoanallegationofabuse-Timeto
Investigation-Median(midpoint,24-hourrange)
2010 Lower 5 6.5 0.5
Outcom11
morForvrFailis
Increasenumberofadoptions
Rateofadoptionsfromfostercareper100fosterchildren 2010 Higher 5 21.04 5.41
Changeintherateofadoptionsfromchildreninfostercareper100fosterchildrenfrom2007to2010
2010 Higher 5 10.63 -3.53
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S P E N D I N G V E R S U S P E R F O R M A N C E - I S
M O N E Y T H E A N S W E R ?
InFiscalYear2010,statesspent$8.5billioninTitleIV-EFosterCarecomputablespending.Thechartbelowshows
howmuchIV-Efundingeachstatespends,onaverage,perfosterchildserved,comparedtotheir2012RIGHT
FORKIDSRANKING.Thetablethatfollowsalsoshowshowmanyfosterchildrenonaverageeachstateserves
eachmonth,andhowmuchIV-Efundingtheyspendperfosterchildandforeverychildintheirstate(atypeof
percapitameasure).
Asyoucanseefromthechartandtable,theTop10RightForKidsstatesarenotthebiggestspenders.
Statesneedtofocusonhowresourcesarespentonkids,notjusthowmuchisspent.
This$8.5billioninTitleIV-EFosterCarecomputablespendingdoesnotincludeallofastatesspendingonchildwelfare,butitisthemostrecentdataavailableasdirectlytrackedbythefederalgovernment.
COmPARISON OF STATe FOSTeR CARe SPeNDING PeR FOSTeR CHIlD AND
RIGHT FOR KIDS RANKING
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
$- $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $80,000 $90,000
2012R
ightForKids
Rank
Foster Care Spending per Foster Child Served
Sources: U.S. Administraton for Children and Families, Foundaton for Government Accountability
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F O S T E R C A R E S P E N D I N G P E R S T A T E
STATeCHIlD
POPulATION
TOTAl TITleIv-e FOSTeR
CARe SPeNDING(STATe &FeDeRAl)
AveRAGemONTHly
NumBeR
OF FOSTeRCHIlDReN
SPeNDING PeRFOSTeR CHIlD
SPeNDING FOReveRy CHIlD
lIvING IN THe
STATe (PeRCHIlD CAPITA)
RIGHT FOR KIDSRANKING
2009 Fy 2010 2010 2010 2010 2012
Alabama 1,128,864 $59,221,886 2,097 $28,241 $52 32
Alaska 183,546 $26,534,451 655 $40,511 $145 40
Arizona 1,732,019 $115,956,294 4,403 $26,336 $67 6
Arkansas 709,968 $66,196,383 1,789 $37,002 $93 37
California 9,435,682 $2,652,407,968 33,188 $79,921 $281 41
Colorado 1,227,763 $119,495,100 2,041 $58,547 $97 7
Connecticut 807,985 $115,154,827 1,670 $68,955 $143 35
Delaware 206,993 $7,688,485 201 $38,251 $37 38
DistofCol 114,036 $55,665,215 902 $61,713 $488 51
Florida 4,057,773 $226,283,102 6,127 $36,932 $56 4Georgia 2,583,792 $141,738,038 2,755 $51,448 $55 12
Hawaii 290,361 $33,531,455 473 $70,891 $115 9
Idaho 419,190 $16,118,419 963 $16,738 $38 1
Illinois 3,177,377 $356,365,966 13,292 $26,811 $112 48
Indiana 1,589,365 $153,216,642 3,087 $49,633 $96 24
Iowa 713,155 $41,139,949 1,471 $27,967 $58 17
Kansas 704,951 $48,303,420 1,245 $38,798 $69 30
Kentucky 1,014,323 $71,297,559 2,921 $24,409 $70 23
Louisiana 1,123,386 $87,030,084 2,562 $33,970 $77 29
Maine 271,176 $32,102,888 957 $33,545 $118 25
Maryland 1,351,935 $138,690,054 2,145 $64,657 $103 33
Massachusetts 1,433,002 $115,093,269 2,191 $52,530 $80 50
Michigan 2,349,892 $170,219,209 4,165 $40,869 $72 22
Minnesota 1,260,797 $80,004,778 1,800 $44,447 $63 21
Mississippi 767,742 $22,908,983 999 $22,932 $30 43
Missouri 1,431,338 $98,758,261 3,166 $31,193 $69 26Montana 219,828 $20,501,826 627 $32,698 $93 46
Nebraska 451,641 $34,299,051 1,369 $25,054 $76 45
Nevada 681,033 $65,623,203 2,083 $31,504 $96 28
NewHampshire 289,071 $32,271,908 436 $74,018 $112 2
NewJersey 2,045,848 $180,389,422 4,226 $42,686 $88 4
NewMeico 510,238 $43,415,528 1,092 $39,758 $85 18
NewYork 4,424,083 $811,825,153 12,724 $63,803 $184 44
NorthCarolina 2,277,967 $137,503,745 3,197 $43,010 $60 3
NorthDakota 143,971 $19,239,015 375 $51,304 $134 8
Ohio 2,714,341 $326,940,245 7,446 $43,908 $120 13
Oklahoma 918,849 $58,305,534 3,308 $17,626 $63 31
Oregon 872,811 $178,872,235 3,190 $56,073 $205 49
Pennsylvania 2,775,132 $465,507,864 14,690 $31,689 $168 16
RhodeIsland 226,825 $24,877,811 592 $42,023 $110 36
SouthCarolina 1,080,732 $64,583,331 1,174 $55,011 $60 42
SouthDakota 199,616 $11,170,128 590 $18,932 $56 47
Tennessee 1,493,252 $76,206,643 2,981 $25,564 $51 10
Teas 6,895,969 $435,996,825 11,971 $36,421 $63 34
Utah 868,824 $35,677,005 902 $39,553 $41 20
Vermont 126,275 $17,003,829 528 $32,204 $135 39
Virginia 1,847,182 $105,301,558 2,870 $36,690 $57 27
Washington 1,569,592 $174,239,042 4,159 $41,894 $111 19
WestVirginia 386,449 $47,542,862 1,012 $46,979 $123 14
Wisconsin 1,310,250 $94,593,284 2,151 $43,976 $72 15
Wyoming 132,025 $4,494,513 120 $37,454 $34 11
GRAND TOTAl 74,548,215 $8,517,504,245 181,078 $47,038 $114
TOTAlS FOR TOP
10 RANKeD STATeS13,977,215 $956,995,103 25,222 $37,943 $68
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S T R E N G T H S A N D L I M I T A T I O N S
Anytimeoneattemptstoholisticallymeasureandrankstatesperformanceinanypolicyareatherearelimitations
tosuchanapproach.
Eachstateschildwelfaresystemisdifferent.Somestateshavedifferentdenitionsofwhatconstitutesabuseor
neglect. Otherstateshavedifferentmandatoryreportersindividualswhoby professionandtheirinteractions
withchildrenarerequiredtoreportsuspectedabuseorneglect.Butusingsuchdifferencesasanecusefornot
measuringthestatesandrankingtheirperformanceisadisservicetochildren.
Allstateshavetouniformlyreporttothefederalgovernmentontheirchildwelfaresystem,providingastandard
denitionandasstandardizeddataaspossibleregardingsystemperformance.Suchuniformreportingand
dataisnotavailableformanypolicyareas,butisforchildwelfare.Inaddition,amajorstrengthoftheRIGHT
FORKIDSRANKINGisthatituses11majoroutcomeareastocomprehensivelymeasurestates,andprovidessub
rankingstobetterpresentandfacilitateunderstandingofwhere,specically,astateisdoingwellandwhereit
needsimprovement.Thinkofitlikeareportcardinschool.Maybeyouscorehighinmathbutneedhelpwith
readingcomprehension(asevidencedbyalowgrade).YouarestillgivenanoverallGPA,butthescoringby
subjectprovidesaroadmapofwhattocelebrateandprotectandwheretogetatutor.Thesameistruein
policy.
A limitation of the Rankings is that many data measures we would have
likedtoassessarenotavailable.Whataboutachildswell-beingwhilein
fostercare,orafterbeingreuniedwithhisorherfamilyorbeingadopted
intoanewfamily?Policymakersandchildwelfareepertsarestilltrying
to determine how bestto measurethis. We want to knowhowkids in
fostercarearedoingonbasiceducationaloutcomesattendingschool,advancing to a new grade, graduating high school and completing
highereducation.Somestatesmeasurethis,butmostdonot.Thefederal
governmentdoesnotrequirethatstatesdoso.Inaddition,wehaveno
comprehensivepictureofhowthephysicalandmentalhealthofachildin
fostercareisbeingattendedto.
Moreneedstobemeasuredtobestunderstandandultimatelyimprove
howastateschildwelfaresystemserveskids.
TheRIGHTFORKIDSRANKINGisnotperfect,butitismuchbetterthan
whatisavailablenow...nothing.Itprovidescontettothedullstatistics.
Thats important, because these arenot just numbers we are talking
about,theyarechildren,andtheymustnotbeignored.
The RIGHT FOR KIDS RANKING wil l be an annual reality and
accountabilitychecktoensurethatabusedandneglectedkids
receivetheattention,supportandcaretheydeservefromthe
public,themedia,policymakers,andallthosethatserveand
seektoprotectthemfromfutureabuseandneglect.
0 2012RightforKidsRanking|FoundationforGovernmentAccounta
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N E W O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O RS T A T E S A N D K I D S
The2012RIGHTFORKIDSRANKINGwillhopefullyinspirestatestolearnfrom
eachotherandimprovechildwelfaresystemperformance.Lowerranking
statesshouldcommunicatewithstatesthatrankhighandeploreproven
reformsthatareworkingtobestservekids.Thisistrueforindividualoutcome
areasaswell.
Thereisalwaysroomfromimprovement.Foreample,Idaho,thehighest
rankingstateoverall,mightimproveitsperformanceinOutcome10 (rapid
responsetoinvestigateallegationsofabuse,inwhichIdahoranks24th)by
learningfromNewYork,whichranksrstinOutcome10,despiteranking45th
overall.
Poorscalpolicyoftenpunishesstatesandpolicymakersfordoingtheright
thing. Inthe case ofchild welfare,poorscal policies have undermined
whatisrightforkidsandfortapayers.
TitleIV-Eisthemajorfederalfundingsourceforstatechildwelfaresystems.
Itis a federal subsidy tied tothe costs andnumber ofkidsin foster care
(foster homes, group homes and institutions) and for related training and
administrativecosts fora states childwelfaresystem.11 Morekids in foster
care candrawmorefederal Title IV-E funding. Conversely,fewer kids in
fostercarecanmeanacuttofederalTitleIV-Efundingtothatstate.
Waivers give states the eibility toset theirfederalfundingat a specic
level,regardlessofachangeinthenumberofchildreninfostercare.The
waiveralsogivesstatestheabilitytousethefundingforprevention,earlier
interventionservices,familysupportservicesandfasterpermanencyplanning
andimplementation.AsweseeintheSpendingversusPerformancechart
onpage26,astatesRightforKidsrankingdependsmoreonhowandwhere
astatespends,nothowmuchitspends.Thefreedomthesewaiversprovide
matters.
From1997through2006,theU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices
hadtheauthoritytograntTitleIV-Ewaivers.Just23statesactuallyappliedfor
andreceivedwaiversduringthatentiredecade. 12Federalwaiverauthority
epiredonMarch31,2006.13
ThatlossoftheTitleIV-Ewaiveropportunitymeantamajortoolforstates
to dorightfor kids wasgone. As a recent CaseyFamily Servicesreport
noted,Inrecentyears,eiblefundingwaivershavebeenassociatedwith
largereductionsinfostercarepopulationsinFlorida,Ohio,Oregonandtwo
countiesinCalifornia:AlamedaandLosAngeles.14
Recognizingthis,in2011Congressactedtogivestatestheabilitytorequest
and receive Title IV-E waivers, with President Barack Obama signing the
ChildandFamilyServicesImprovementandInnovationAct onSeptember30,2011.
TheChild andFamily ServicesImprovement andInnovationAct gives the
federalgovernmenttheabilitytogrant10TitleIV-Ewaiverseachyearfrom
2012through2014,foratotalofupto30statewaivers.
AsofMay2012,onlyFloridaandWashingtonhadappliedforthesewaivers.
Thisopportunity forstates onlylasts another 27 months (July2012 through
September2014).
ThatiswhytheRightForKidsRankingissoimportant.Ifpolicymakers,familiesandthemediadonotfocusonhowchild
welfaresystemsareactuallyperformingthentheywillnothavethepoliticalwilltoutilizeeveryavailabletool,includingTitle
IV-Ewaivers,tomaimizethepositiveimpactofchildwelfarereform.
Acc or di ng to an over vie w of thewaiverprocesspublishedbytheChildWelfare League of America, a statemustdothefollowingtoqualifyforawaiver:
Increasepermanenceby
reducingtimeinfostercare,
Increasepositiveoutcomesfor
childrenandfamilies,or
Preventmaltreatmentand
re-entryintocare.
In addition, part of the waiveimplementationplan must includeatleasttwoofthefollowingpolicies,withatleastonebeingnewlyimplementedasaresultofthewaiver:
Establishingabillofrightsfor
childrenincare,
Implementingahealthand
mentalhealthplanforchildrenin
care,
Coveringkinship/subsidized
guardianshipwithIV-Efunding,
etendingIV-Efostercareto21,
Implementingaplantoreduce
congregatecare,increasingthe
placementofsiblingstogether,
Implementingaplantoimprove
therecruitmentandretentionof
qualityfosterfamilies,
Establishingprocedurestoassist
youthintransitioningoutofcare,
Stateplaninclusionofolder
youthguidanceintheirown
transitionplan,and
Theestablishmentofoneormore
programstopreventplacementin
careandprovidepermanency.1
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7/31/2019 FGA RightForKidsBook Web Single Pages
32/362 2012RightforKidsRanking|FoundationforGovernmentAccounta
TheFoundationforGovernmentAccountability(FGA)believespersonallibertyandprivateenterprisearekey
tooureconomicfuture.Toadvanceoursharedvision,Foundationstaffdevelopsandpromotesfreemarket
publicpoliciesthatachievelimited,constitutionalgovernmentandarobusteconomythatwillbeanenginefor
jobcreati onacrossFlori da.
GovernedbyanindependentBoardofDirectors,theFoundationforGovernmentAccountabilityisanonprot,
nonpartisan,501c3ta-eemptorganization.Charitabledonationsareta-deductibletothefulletentofthe
law.
FGAreliesonthegeneroussupportfromindividuals,corporations,andfoundationsthatsupportourfreemarket
principles.TheFoundationdoesnotseeknoracceptanygovernmentfundingorperformcontractwork.
TheFoundationislocatedinNaples,Florida.Formoreinformation,visitwww.FloridaFGA.org,call239.244,8808
[email protected]:15275CollierBoulevard,Suite201-279,Naples,Florida34119.
A B O U T T H E F O U N D A T I O N F O R G O V E R N M E N T
A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y
F O U N D A T I O N F O R GOVERNMENT
ACCOUNTABILITY
-
7/31/2019 FGA RightForKidsBook Web Single Pages
33/36012RightforKidsRanking|FoundationforGovernmentAccountability
TarrenBragdon ispresident and chiefeecutiveofcer ofthe Foundation
for Government Accountability, a research and advocacy organization
committedtomakingFloridathemosteconomicallyvibrantstateinAmerica.
In2008, Tarren wasnamedchief eecutive ofcerof The Maine Heritage
PolicyCenter,afreemarketthinktankbasedinPortland,Maine.Underhis
leadership,theorganizationgrewtobecomethelargeststate-basedfree
marketthinktankonapercapitabasis.InSeptember2010,hereceived
theThomasRoeAward,givenannuallybytheStatePolicyNetworktothe
individualwiththegreatestimpactonthenationsfreemarketmovement.
From1996through2000,TarrenservedintheMaineHouseofRepresentatives.
Electedattheageof21,Tarrenremainstheyoungestpersoneverelectedto
theMaineHouse.WhileintheHouseofRepresentatives,Tarrenworkedfor
threeyearsinprogramdevelopmentandlicensingcomplianceforaprivate
childwelfareagencyinMaine,helpingtostarttheiradoptionprogramwhich
focusedeclusivelyonfosterchildreninneedofforeverfamilies.
AnationallyrecognizedepertonhealthpolicyissueswithaspecialtyinMedicaidreform,Tarrenhasserved
as a health-policy analyst with the Manhattan Institutes Empire Center for New Your State Policy. He has
testiedbeforetheU.S.SenateSmallBusinessandEntrepreneurshipCommittee;statelegislativecommitteesin
Connecticut,Florida,Georgia,NewYork,Illinois,andMaine;numerousnationalconferences;andtheAmerican
SwissFoundationinSwitzerland.HisworkhasbeenfeaturedonFoNewsSeanHannityshow,NationalPublic
TelevisionsNOW,inaWallStreetJournaleditorialandmultipleWallStreetJournalop-eds,andintheNewYorkPost,BostonGlobe,NewYorkTimesandonNationalPublicRadio.
HereceivedhisBachelorofSciencedegreeincomputersciencefromtheUniversityofMaineandhisMastersof
ScienceofBusinessdegreefromHussonUniversityinBangor,Maine.
TarrenandhiswifeAnnahavefourchildren;Wyatt,Waverlyandthetwins,JudeandAsher.Heandhiswife
adoptedalltheirchildren.In2010,TarrenandAnnawererecognizedbyU.S.SenatorSusanCollinsasAngelsin
AdoptiononbehalfoftheCongressionalCoalitiononAdoption.
TocontactTarren,[email protected]
A B O U T T H E A U T H O R T A R R E N B R A G D O N
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R E F E R E N C E S
1 ChildAbuseandNeglectFatalities2009:Statisticsand Interventions.U.S.DepartmentofHealthand HumanServices.
February2011.Page2.Availableat:http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/fatality.pdf(March16,2012)
2 Wang,Ph.D.,Ching-Tung&JohnHolton,Ph.D. TotalEstimatedCostofChildAbuseandNeglectintheUnitedStates.
PewCharitableTrusts.September2007.Page2.Figuresin2007dollars.Availableat:http://member.preventchildabuse.
org/site/DocServer/cost_analysis.pdf?docID=144(March16,2012)
3 Spreadsheets provided on February 29, 2012 by Sara Moomaw of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
AdministrationofChildandFamilies,OfceofLegislativeAffairsandtheBudget.Availableuponrequest.
4 Daro, Deborah.Child Abuse Prevention: A Job Half Done. Chapin Hall Issue Brief. Chapin Hall attheUniversity of
Chicago. February 2010. Page 1. Available at: http://www.chapinhall.org/sites/default/les/publications/Child%20
Abuse_IB_F_02_25_10.pdf(March16,2012)
5 Zill,Nicholas. AdoptionfromFosterCare:AidingChildrenWhileSavingPublicMoney.BrookingsInstitution.May2011.
Page4.Availableat:http://www.brookings.edu/reports/2011/05_adoption_foster_care_zill.asp(March16,2011).
6 Williams-Mbengue, Nina. Moving Children Out of Foster Care: The Legislative Role in Finding Permanent Homes for
Children.NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures.October2008.Page2.Availableat:http://www.ncsl.org/documents/
cyf/movingchildrenoutofcare.pdf(March16,2012)
7 ImprovingOutcomesforOlderYouthinFosterCare.CaseyFamilyPrograms.2008.Pages3-4.Availableat:http://www.
casey.org/resources/publications/pdf/WhitePaper_ImprovingOutcomesOlderYouth_FR.pdf(March16,2012)
8 EducationistheLifelineforYouthinFosterCare.NationalWorkingGrouponFosterCareandEducation.July2011.Pages
2-3.Availableat:http://www.casey.org/Resources/Publications/pdf/EducationalOutcomesFactSheet.pdf(March16,2012)
9 Data Snapshoton Foster Care Placement. AnnieE. Casey Foundation.May2011. Page1.Availableat:http://www.aecf.
org/~/media/Pubs/Initiatives/KIDS%20COUNT/D/DataSnapshotFosterCarePlcmnt/DataSnapshot_FinalWeb.pdf(March16,2012)
10 ChildWelfareOutcomesReportData.U.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices,AdministrationofChildrenand
Families.Availableat:http://cwoutcomes.acf.hhs.gov/data/tables.demo_stats(May25,2012)
11 Overview ofTitle IV-E Foster Care Program. ChildWelfareLeague ofAmerica. Availableat: http://www.cwla.org/
advocacy/overviewtitleIV-E.htm(May25,2012)
12 JamesBellAssociates.SummaryoftheTitleIV-EChildWelfareWaiverDemonstrations.March2012.Page1.Availableat:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb//programs_fund/cwwaiver/2012/summary_demo2012.pdf(May25,2012)
13 Houshyar,Shadi.TitleIV-EWaivers:EpandingandModifyingChildWelfareDemonstrationWaiverstoPromoteFleibility
andFosterInnovation.FirstFocus.March9,2011.Availableat:http://www.rstfocus.net/library/reports/title-iv-e-waivers-
epanding-and-modifying-child-welfare-demonstration-waivers-to-pr(May25,2012)
14 TheNeedtoReauthorizeandEpandTi