Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

Subgroup to ensure Florida’s compliance with the federal services andoutcome data requirements established in the 1999 John H. ChafeeFoster Care Independence Act. This will require the Department’senhancement of the current survey process through the development orpurchase of a web-based youth survey tool and modification of FloridaSafe Families Network. Upon completion of this project, Florida will begincapturing the additional surveys and data on the federally requiredpopulations no later than October 1, 2010. The Department will work withthe ILSAC and NYTD Subgroup to create and implement a transition planthat will also ensure surveys and data to be collected on all youth who areor have been served through the Florida foster care system.PermanencyRecommend that the full range of permanency options be considered:reunification, adoption, guardianship, kinship care, and other nontraditionalpermanency options and a priority for every youth in care. Noone should leave the system without a permanent family.We would also repeat our 2008 suggestion concerning youth involvementin permanency planning and in building supportive adult relationships.Department Response: The Department concurs with thisrecommendation. As a result of the 2008 federal Child and FamilyServices Review (CFSR), the Department incorporated into its QualityImprovement Plan nine action steps for improving the appropriateness ofpermanency planning goals. Additionally, the Department is initiating a 12-month permanency project to ensure youth with Another PlannedPermanent Living Arrangement (APPLA) goal are appropriately andcontinuously engaged in working towards the most appropriatepermanency option. The project is scheduled to kick-off in January 2010.Department of Children and Families – Office of Family SafetyResponse to 2009 Independent Living Services Advisory Council ReportDecember 31, 200911