#USA #Washington #Child Safety #NPCS #Data Sharing

Overview of NPCS

The National Partnership for Child Safety (NPCS) is dedicated to enhancing child safety and minimizing incidents of child maltreatment through innovative practices. This collaborative network aims to share critical data across various jurisdictions to foster improvements in child welfare. Recently, NPCS has revealed its insights from a year of focused data-sharing efforts, showcasing vital findings that shed light on the effectiveness of these collaborations.

Key Insights from Data Sharing

One of NPCS's significant achievements this year is the introduction of the Safe Systems Improvement Tool (SSIT). This retrospective analysis framework allows child welfare systems to review critical incidents effectively. By using aggregated data from SSIT, agencies can identify areas needing improvement and take informed steps to enhance overall child safety.

As of October 1, 2024, NPCS completed 711 reviews, leading to the identification of 1,841 Improvement Opportunities (IOs). Notably, over 50% of the reviews highlighted a crucial need for enhanced teamwork and coordination, especially between child welfare agencies and external partners such as law enforcement. This finding underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring child safety.

Economic Support for Families

Additionally, the analysis revealed that economic assistance for families emerged as a critical requirement in over 20% of reviews. The data suggested that when families have access to essential economic resources, it plays a vital role in minimizing their involvement with child welfare services. This insight aligns with knowledge gained during the COVID-19 pandemic, where adequate supports positively influenced family safety and stability.

Workforce Retention Challenges

NPCS's commitment to understanding the child welfare workforce's dynamics is evident through its TeamFirst Assessment of Safety Culture (TASC). This survey involved over 24,000 child welfare professionals across ten jurisdictions and highlighted key issues regarding workforce retention. Specifically, it was found that psychological safety among staff dramatically influences their intention to remain employed in the sector.

The findings advocate for implementing safety science processes to create a supportive work environment, which can mitigate burnout and foster long-term retention of skilled workforce members.

A Systematic Approach to Child Welfare

Commenting on the data findings, Jodi Hill-Lilly, commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and NPCS executive committee co-chair, emphasized the necessity of collaboration across various sectors to safeguard children. She noted, "Child Protective Services cannot do this work alone," advocating for a shift to preventive systems that actively engage families with resources prior to crises.

NPCS is eager to continue refining its data-sharing approach as it expands its reach. Currently, the partnership consists of 38 jurisdictions, which are actively applying safety science principles to enhance their initiatives. Notably, new jurisdictions, including Alameda County, Maine, and Wyoming, have joined the collective effort within the past year, furthering the impact of data-driven improvements in child welfare.

Future Directions

Moving forward, NPCS remains committed to applying its insights towards continuous improvement in the child welfare system. The safety science approach focuses on cultivating a culture of open communication, teamwork, and organizational learning, essential for safeguarding children's welfare. As the partnership grows, NPCS anticipates discovering further solutions to enhance system performance and protect vulnerable families nationwide.

For additional media inquiries or to learn more about NPCS’s ongoing efforts, please contact Jennifer Devlin at 703-966-3241 or via email at [email protected].