§ 9-16-108 - Evaluation. - Arkansas Statutes

9-16-108. Evaluation.

The Director of the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services shall conduct a yearly evaluation of family preservation services that shall include the following:

(1) The number of families in which the use of family preservation services has been an alternative to placement of the child if available;

(2) The number of families receiving family preservation services, including the number of children in those families;

(3) Among those families receiving family preservation services, the number of children placed outside the home and the average cost per family of providing family preservation services;

(4) The estimated cost of out-of-home placement that would have been expended on behalf of those children who received family preservation services based on the average lengths of stay and the average costs of out-of-home placements;

(5) The number of children who remain unified with their families six (6) months and one (1) year after completion of family preservation services; and

(6) An overall evaluation of the progress of family preservation services programs during the preceding year, recommendations for improvements in delivery of this service, and a plan for the continued development of family preservation services to ensure progress towards statewide availability.