Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Services - In-House Service Coordination (CAPTS-IHSC)

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS) provides therapeutic and related services to prevent child abuse and keep children and families safe. Previously, CFS provided those services using a 'Regional Lead Agency' (RLA) model whereby one private entity (the RLA), was secured to provide services to CFS clients. The RLA in turn, subcontracted with service providers. This double layer of contracting caused delays in the engagement of children and families to services and poor documentation. In January 2014, CFS eliminated the RLA model and established its Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Services (CAPTS) program and implemented the In-House Service Coordination (IHSC) initiative. Under the CAPTS-IHSC, CFS hired five Service Coordinators to connect children and families to services and entered into contracts with providers of therapeutic services and professional trainers in Parenting, Anger Management, Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence. Service Coordinators help social workers identify suitable service providers and connect the providers to children and families. Service Coordinators also document service data. The IHSC has resulted in over 100% increase in the number of CFS clients receiving services promptly - from 25% in January 2014 to 56% in November 2014. Other outcomes include cost savings and accurate and timely documentation.