HHS News Release

The Administration for Children and Families in the Department of Health and Human Services today released the first national study that describes the policies and practices used by state child protective services agencies. The information in the study significantly increases the knowledge base about how child maltreatment services are delivered.

"This study will be especially valuable when Congress passes President Bush's proposal to increase flexibility in the child welfare system," said Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services. "With this information in hand, states will be able to compare their practices with others and make informed decisions about improving their programs and preventing child maltreatment."

The National Study of Child Protective Services Systems and Reform Efforts includes (1) a review of written policies in all states and the District of Columbia and (2) a survey of 300 counties to determine how they run their child protective services programs. The report's highlights include information on 20 states that are providing services without a formal investigation to at-risk families and on states that are working increasingly closely with law enforcement agencies, particularly in severe cases of maltreatment.

The President's budget includes a proposal to reform child welfare which would allow states the option to receive their child welfare funding as a flexible grant for a period of five years. The option will provide the state with the ability to develop a seamless child welfare system with a new continuum of services for families at risk.

"The federal government has an obligation to facilitate states' access to information on best practices and programs so that they are empowered to improve their systems," said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., assistant secretary for children and families. "This study is a valuable tool for that kind of information exchange which will become even more important when the President's child welfare proposal is passed."

Reports from the study are available online at http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/CPS-status03/index.htm or by calling the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information at 800-FYI-3366 or emailing nccanch@calib.com.

Contact: ACF Press Office (202) 401-9215