The Utility of Trouble – From Crisis to Opportunity: Child Welfare Reform in MA

This report provides an outside perspective and examples of effective strategies implemented by states and jurisdictions who struggle with ways to get on top of an unsustainable caseload and shortage of staff. It compares the practices of the Commonwealth’s Department of Children and Families with those of similar state agencies across the nation and recommends five areas for possible reform: 1) A Leadership Team with vision, Talent and Experience; 2) Effective Use of Reliable Data to Drive Change; 3) Strategic Workforce Investments; 4) Aligning the Service Array with Child/Family Needs and Outcomes; and 5) Accountability for Outcomes (both Quality and Quantity).