Case File Findings

Foster Care Case File Findings
State: Iowa

AFCARS Element	Data in AFCARS Matches Case File	Data in AFCARS Does Not Match Paper File	Questionable	Comments
#5 Most Recent Periodic Review Date	JCO = 4 CW = 37	JCO = 1 CW = 21	CW = 2	JCO: Information not found: 1 CW: Information not found: 6 CW Not Analyzed: 1 - The case was not analyzed because the reviewer was not able to find information related to the removal dates. CW Cases: There were 12 records that indicated “old” review dates reported to AFCARS. The dates were: 1995 = 1 2000 = 4 2002 = 4 January 2003 = 2 February 2003 = 1 There were five records that indicated the child had been in care for at least six months and the reviewer found dates for a periodic review. (Some of these may need to be verified because the reviewer may have written down the wrong date for a periodic review.) One record indicates the child was removed from his/her home in December 2002 and the date of periodic review was missing in AFCARS.
#6 Child Birth Date	JCO = 8 CW = 67	JCO = 0 CW = 0	blank cell	blank cell
#7 Child Sex 1 = Male 2 = Female	JCO = 8 CW = 67	JCO = 0 CW = 1	blank cell	blank cell
#8 Child Race a. American Indian or Alaskan Native	JCO = 8 CW : 61	JCO = 0 CW : 2	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 4
b. Asian	JCO = 8 CW : 62	JCO = 0 CW : 1	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 4
c. Black or African American	JCO = 8 CW : 61	JCO = 0 CW : 2	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 4
d. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	JCO = 8 CW : 61	JCO = 0 CW : 2	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 4
e. White	JCO = 8 CW : 58	JCO = 0 CW : 5	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 4
f. Unable to Determine	JCO = 8 CW : 61	JCO = 0 CW : 2	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 4
#9 Child Hispanic Origin 1 = Yes 2 = No 3 = Unable to Determine	JCO = 7 CW : 62	JCO = 1 CW : 2	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 3 One of the error cases indicated a response of “unable to determine” in AFCARS. The reviewer was able to determine that the child was not of Hispanic/Latino origin.
#10 Has Child Been Diagnosed with Disability?	JCO = 8 CW: 63	JCO: 0 CW: 3	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 1
#11 Mental Retardation	JCO = 88 CW: 63	JCO: 08 CW: 3	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 1
#12 Visually/Hearing Impaired	JCO = 88 CW: 66	JCO = 08 CW: 0	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 1
#13 Physically Disabled	JCO = 88 CW: 66	JCO = 08 CW: 0	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 1
#14 Emotionally Disturbed	JCO = 88 CW: 62	JCO = 08 CW: 4	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 1
#15 Other Diagnosed Condition	JCO = 78 CW: 64	JCO = 18 CW: 2	blank cell	CW: Information not found = 1
#16 Has Child Ever Been Adopted? 1 = Yes 2 = No 3 = Unable to Determine	JCO = 1 CW: 8	JCO = 1 CW: 23	JCO = 6 CW: 36	In the cases listed as questionable, the AFCARS information was “unable to determine” and the reviewers either indicated they did not find the information or they left the column blank. All of the error records indicate in AFCARS “unable to determine.” The reviewers were able to determine whether the child had been previously adopted or not.
#17 Age at Previous Adoption 0 = Not Applicable 1 = less than 2 years old 2 = 2-5 years old 3 = 6-12 years old 4 = 13 years or older 5 = Unable to Determine	JCO = 1 CW: 8	JCO = 1 CW: 23	JCO = 6 CW: 36	blank cell
#18 Date of First Removal from Home	JCO = 4 CW: 38	JCO = 3 CW: 23	CW = 1	JCO: Information not found in file = 1 CW: Information not found in file = 5 Several of the errors were due to reviewers finding earlier dates of first removal than what was reported in AFCARS. Six of the error records have one to four days difference between what is reported to AFCARS and what the reviewer recorded. Two of the dates recorded by the reviewers occurred one day prior to the date reported in AFCARS.
#19 Total Number of Removals from Home	JCO = 7 CW: 46	JCO = 0 CW: 14	CW = 6	JCO: Information not found in file = 1 CW: Information not found in file = 5 CW: The records indicated as questionable were because the reviewer could not verify either the date of first removal, the date of discharge from the prior removal, and/or the date of the latest removal. Three of the error records had different dates reported for the first and latest removal, however, the number of removals reported to AFCARS was one. The date of discharge from the prior removal episode was also missing.
#20 Date of Discharge from Previous Episode	JCO = 6 CW: 44	JCO = 1 CW: 16	CW = 1	JCO: Information not found in file = 1 CW: Information not found in file = 6 Three of the error records had different dates reported for the first and latest removal, however, the number of removal reported to AFCARS was one. The date of discharge from the prior removal episode was also missing.
#21 Date of Latest Removal	JCO = 5 CW: 46	JCO = 3 CW: 18	blank cell	CW: Information not found in file = 3 Three records had different dates reported for the first and latest removal, however, the number of removal reported to AFCARS was one. The date of discharge from the prior removal episode was also missing.
#23 Date of Placement in Current Setting	JCO = 7 CW: 65	JCO = 0 CW: 2	blank cell	JCO: Information not found in file = 1
#24 Number of Previous Placement Settings in This Episode	JCO = 5 CW: 46	JCO = 2 CW: 18	blank cell	JCO: Information not found in file = 1 CW Information not found in file = 3 Of the 18 cases in error, five reflected a decrease in the number of placements.
#25 Manner of Removal From Home for This Episode 1 = Voluntary 2 = Court Ordered 3 = Not Yet Determined	JCO = 8 CW: 61	JCO = 0 CW: 5	blank cell	CW Information not found in file = 1 Four of the error records were reported as “court ordered” and the reviewer indicates the removal was a “voluntary placement agreement.”
#26 Physical Abuse	JCO = 8 CW: 59	JCO = 0 CW: 7	blank cell	CW: One record not included in analysis. In five of the error cases, the reviewer indicated “physical abuse” applies and the AFCARS data indicated it did not.
#27 Sexual Abuse	JCO = 8 CW: 62	JCO = 0 CW: 4	blank cell	CW: One record not included in analysis. In the error cases, the reviewers indicated all were “applies” and the AFCARS data indicated it did not.
#28 Neglect	JCO = 8 CW: 59	JCO = 0 CW: 7	blank cell	CW: One record not included in analysis. In the error cases, the reviewers indicated all were “applies” and the AFCARS data indicated it did not.
#29 Parent Alcohol Abuse	JCO = 8 CW: 61	JCO = 0 CW: 5	blank cell	CW: One record not included in analysis. In the error cases, the reviewers indicated all were “applies” and the AFCARS data indicated it did not.
#30 Parent Drug Abuse	JCO = 8 CW: 62	JCO = 0 CW: 4	blank cell	CW: One record not included in analysis. In the error cases, the reviewers indicated all were “applies” and the AFCARS data indicated it did not.
#31 Child Alcohol Abuse	JCO = 7 CW: 60	JCO = 1 CW: 6	blank cell	JCO: AFCARS information indicated the condition did not apply, reviewer indicates it did apply. CW: One record was not included in the analysis. In the error cases, all were indicated as “does not apply” by the reviewer. In three records, the reviewer found that the AFCARS record indicated that the condition associated with removal was the child's alcohol abuse and this was not the case. A parent's alcohol problem contributed to the child's removal and these records were not marked as “applies” for the parent.
#32 Child Drug Abuse	JCO = 7 CW: 65	JCO = 1 CW: 1	blank cell	JCO: AFCARS information indicated the condition did not apply, reviewer indicates it did apply. CW: One record was not included in the analysis. The error case should have been reported to AFCARS as “applies.”
#33 Child Disability	JCO = 8 CW: 65	JCO = 0 CW: 1	blank cell	CW: One record was not included in the analysis. The error case should have been reported to AFCARS as “applies.”
#34 Child's Behavior Problem	JCO = 8 CW: 65	JCO = 0 CW: 1	blank cell	CW: One record was not included in the analysis. The error case should have been reported to AFCARS as “applies.”
#35 Death of Parent	JCO = 8 CW: 66	JCO = 0 CW: 0	blank cell	CW: One record was not included in the analysis.
#36 Incarceration of Parent	JCO = 8 CW: 64	JCO = 0 CW: 2	blank cell	CW: One record was not included in the analysis. In the error cases, all were indicated as “applies” by the reviewer.
#37 Caretaker Inability to Cope	JCO = 8 CW: 61	JCO = 0 CW: 5	blank cell	CW: One record was not included in the analysis. In two of the error cases, the reviewers indicated it should have been “applies.”
#38 Abandonment	JCO = 8 CW: 66	JCO = 0 CW: 0	blank cell	CW: One record was not included in the analysis.
#39 Relinquishment	JCO = 8 CW: 66	JCO = 0 CW: 0	blank cell	CW: One record was not included in the analysis.
#40 Inadequate Housing	JCO = 8 CW: 65	JCO = 0 CW: 1	blank cell	CW: One record was not included in the analysis. The error case should have been reported to AFCARS as “applies.”
#41 Current Placement Setting 1 = Pre-Adoptive Home 2 = Foster Family Home (Relative) 3 = Foster Family Home (Non-Relative) 4 = Group Home 5 = Institution 6 = Supervised Independent Living 7 = Runaway 8 = Trial Home Visit	JCO = 8 CW: 62	JCO = 2 CW: 3	blank cell	JCO: One record indicated in AFCARS that the child was in a group home and the reviewer indicated the child was in a relative foster home. In another record, AFCARS information indicates a group home and the reviewer indicated detention. CW: Information not found in file = 2. (Both were reported as “group homes.”) In two of the error cases the reviewer indicated the child was placed with a relative (AFCARS showed “group home). In the other record the reviewer indicated the child was on a “trial home visit” (AFCARS showed “family foster care non-relative).
#42 Out of State Placement	JCO = 7 CW: 64	JCO = 1 CW: 1	CW: 2	JCO: The AFCARS record indicated the child was placed in-State and the reviewer indicated the child was placed out-of-State.
#43 Most Recent Case Plan Goal 1 = Reunify with Parent(s) or Principal Caretaker(s) 2 = Live with Other Relative(s) 3 = Adoption 4 = Long Term Foster Care 5 = Emancipation 6 = Guardianship 7 = Case Plan Goal Not Yet Established	JCO = 7 CW: 47	JCO = 0 CW: 20	blank cell	JCO: Information not found in file = 1 CW: Eleven of the error cases were due to AFCARS indicating “not yet established” and the child had been in care for more than 60 days. Two children had been removed in June 2003, four in February 2003, one in January 2003 and four had been in care for more than a year. Only six cases were correctly reported with a case plan goal not yet established. There were nine records that the reviewers indicated the case plan goal should have been “long-term foster care.” In one of these records the goal in AFCARS was “guardianship” and in the others the goal was “reunify.”
#44 Caretaker Family Structure 1 = Married Couple 2 = Unmarried Couple 3 = Single Female 4 = Single Male 5 = Unable to Determine	JCO = 6 CW: 44	JCO = 2 CW: 8	CW: 2	JCO: In one of the error cases, the information in AFCARS indicates “unable to determine.” The reviewer did not indicate additional information. However, it is unlikely that this child had been abandoned. CW: In six of the error cases, the information reported to AFCARS was “unable to determine” and the reviewer found the information.The AFCARS information in thirteen of the questionable cases was “unable to determine.” In one of the questionable cases the reviewer indicated “mother/stepfather.” AFCARS information indicated “single male.”
#45 1st Primary Caretaker's Birth Year	JCO = 7 CW: 39	JCO = 1 CW: 11	CW: 2	JCO: In one of the error cases, the information in AFCARS for element #44 indicates “unable to determine.” The reviewer did not indicate additional information. However, it is unlikely that this child had been abandoned. Therefore this element is also marked in error. CW: Information not found = 4. One record was not analyzed due to a questionable finding in element #44. One of the correct cases had a date (verified) reported, but the response to #44 was “unable to determine.” Three error cases were missing information in AFCARS and the reviewer found a birth date. The AFCARS information in eleven of the questionable cases was “unable to determine” for element #44. In seven of the error cases the reviewers found dates of birth and the information reported for caretaker family structure was “unable to determine.” One questionable case is based on the questionable case in element #44 (the reviewer indicated “mother/stepfather” AFCARS information indicated “single male”).
#46 2nd Primary Caretaker's Birth Year	JCO = 5 CW: 37	JCO = 2 CW: 11	JCO = 1 CW: 14	JCO: Due to findings in element #44 this element was marked as questionable since it is not known whether the caretaker was married or not. CW: Information not found = 4. One record was not analyzed due to a questionable finding in element #44. Two error cases were missing information in AFCARS and the reviewer found a birth date. The AFCARS information in thirteen of the questionable cases was “unable to determine” for element #44. In six error cases the reviewers found dates of birth and the information for caretaker family structure was “unable to determine.” One questionable case is based on the questionable case in element #44 (the reviewer indicated “mother/stepfather.” AFCARS information indicated “single male”)
#47 Mother's Date of TPR	JCO = 8 CW: 63	JCO = 0 CW: 4	blank cell	Agency correctly reported a deceased date for the TPR date.
#48 Father's Date of TPR	JCO = 8 CW: 63	JCO = 0 CW: 4	blank cell	blank cell
#49 Foster Family Structure 0 = Not Applicable 1 = Married Couple 2 = Unmarried Couple 3 = Single Female 4 = Single Male	JCO = 6 CW: 56	JCO = 1 CW: 1	CW: 2	JCO: Information not found in file = 1. Based on findings in element #41 (child in a relative home not a group home), this element is also in error. CW: Information not found in file = 7. One record was not included in the analysis. The agency correctly reported information for all non-foster home settings as “not applicable.” The questionable cases were because the reviewer noted the child was placed with a relative but did not note the foster family structure information.
#50 1st Foster Caretaker's Birth Year	JCO = 6 CW: 56	JCO = 6 CW: 56	blank cell	JCO: Information not found in file = 1. Based on findings in element #41 (child in a relative home not a group home), this element is also in error. CW: Information not found in file = 31. Five records were not included in the analysis. The agency correctly reported information for all non-foster home settings as blank. One of the error cases indicated that the foster parents were married and the date of birth was blank.
#51 2nd Foster Caretaker's Birth Year	JCO = 6 CW: 31	JCO = 0 CW: 2	JCO = 1	JCO: Information not found in file = 1. Based on findings in element #41 (child in a relative home not a group home), this element is marked as questionable. CW: Information not found in file = 28. Six records were not included in the analysis. The agency correctly reported information for all non-foster home settings as blank. One of the error cases indicated that the foster parents were married and the date of birth was blank.
#52 1st Foster Caretaker's Race	JCO = 6 CW: 29	JCO = 1 CW: 0	blank cell	JCO: Information not found in file = 1. Based on findings in element #41 (child in a relative home not a group home), this element is also in error. CW: Information not found in file = 32. Six records were not included in the analysis. The agency correctly reported information for all non-foster home settings as blank.
#53 1st Foster Caretaker's Hispanic Origin	JCO = 6 CW: 29	JCO = 1 CW: 0	blank cell	JCO: Information not found in file = 1. Based on findings in element #41 (child in a relative home not a group home), this element is also in error. CW: Information not found in file = 32. Six records were not included in the analysis. The agency correctly reported information for all non-foster home settings as blank.
#54 2nd Foster Caretaker's Race	JCO = 6 CW: 32	JCO = 0 CW: 0	JCO = 1	JCO: Information not found in file = 1. Based on findings in element #41 (child in a relative home not a group home), this element is also in error. CW: Information not found in file = 32. Six records were not included in the analysis. The agency correctly reported information for all non-foster home settings as blank.
#55 2nd Foster Caretaker's Hispanic Origin	JCO = 6 CW: 32	JCO = 0 CW: 0	JCO = 1	JCO: Information not found in file = 1. Based on findings in element #41 (child in a relative home not a group home), this element is also in error. CW: Information not found in file = 32. Six records were not included in the analysis. The agency correctly reported information for all non-foster home settings as blank.
#56 Date of Discharge	JCO = 6 CW: 61	JCO = 0 CW: 5	JCO = 1	JCO: Information not found in file = 1. A record is questionable because the reviewer indicated in element #58 that the discharge reason was “group care.” It appears this child may still be in foster care. CW: Information not found in file = 1.
#58 Reason for Discharge 0 = Not Applicable 1 = Reunification with Parent(s) or Primary Caretaker(s) 2 = Living with Other Relative(s) 3 = Adoption 4 = Emancipation 5 = Guardianship 6 = Transfer to Another Agency 7 = Runaway 8 = Death of Child	JCO = 6 CW: 61	JCO = 0 CW: 5	JCO = 1	JCO: Information not found in file = 1. The record in question is due to the reviewer indicating in element #58 that the discharge reason was “group care.” It appears this child may still be in foster care. CW: Information not found in file = 1.
#59 Title IVE Foster Care	JCO = 6 CW: 48	JCO = 0 CW: 1	JCO = 1	JCO: Information not found = 1 CW: Information not found = 18
#60 Title IVE Adoption	JCO = 6 CW: 50	JCO = 0 CW: 0	JCO = 1	JCO: Information not found = 1 CW: Information not found = 17
#61 Title IVA AFDC	JCO = 6 CW: 48	JCO = 0 CW: 1	JCO = 1	JCO: Information not found = 1 CW: Information not found = 18
#62 Title IVD Child Support	JCO = 5 CW: 42	JCO = 0 CW: 2	JCO : 1 CW : 1	JCO: Information not found = 1 CW: Information not found = 22
#63 Title XIX Medicaid	JCO : 5 CW : 35	JCO : 1 CW : 14	JCO : 1	JCO: Information not found = 1 CW: Information not found = 18
#64 SSI	JCO : 6 CW : 48	JCO : 0 CW : 1	JCO : 1	JCO: Information not found = 1 CW: Information not found = 18
#65 None of the Above	JCO : 6 CW : 44	JCO : 0 CW : 5	JCO : 1	JCO: Information not found = 1 CW: Information not found = 18 The error cases were reported as “applies” for AFCARS because none of elements #59 - 64 were marked as “applies.” Since the reviewers found cases where Medicaid should have been “applies,” this element would not have been defaulted.
#66 Monthly Amount	JCO : 1 CW : 7	JCO : 1 CW : 7	JCO : 2	JCO: Information not found = 4 CW: Information not found = 53

Number of Cases Reviewed = 76 Number of Cases Analyzed = 75 Number of Juvenile Justice Cases = 8

Adoption Case File Findings
State: Iowa
AFCARS Element	Data in AFCARS Matches Case File	Data in AFCARS Does Not Match Paper File	Questionable	Comments
#4 State Agency Involvement 1 = Yes 2 = No	27	blank cell	blank cell	blank cell
#5 Child Date of Birth	27	blank cell	blank cell	blank cell
#6 Child Sex 1 = Male 2 = Female	27	blank cell	blank cell	blank cell
#7 Child Race	blank cell	blank cell	blank cell	Reviewers indicated an additional race for the child or “unable to determine” was selected and the reviewer found a race.
a. American Indian or Alaska Native	26	1	blank cell	blank cell
b. Asian	27	0	blank cell	blank cell
c. Black or African American	27	0	blank cell	blank cell
d. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	27	0	blank cell	blank cell
e. White	23	4	blank cell	blank cell
f. Unable to Determine	24	3	blank cell	blank cell
#8 Child Hispanic Origin 1 = Yes 2 = No 3 = Unable to Determine	24	1	blank cell	Not Found = 2
#9 Has Agency Determined Special Needs	15	12	blank cell	There were nine records where the response to #9 was “no” in the AFCARS report, but the response to #35 (receiving a monthly subsidy) was “yes.” In the other three error cases, the response in AFCARS was “no,” but the reviewer found an adoption agreement and a basis for special needs.
#10 Primary Basis for Determining Special Needs 0 = Not Applicable 1 = Racial/Original Background 2 = Age 3 = Membership in a Sibling Group 4 = Medical Conditions or Mental, Physical or Emotional Disabilities 5 = Other	15	12	blank cell	There were nine records where the response to #10 was “no” in the AFCARS report, but the response to #35 (receiving a monthly subsidy) was “yes” and the reviewer verified the child was special needs. In the other three error cases, the response in AFCARS was “no,” but the reviewer found an adoption agreement and a basis for special needs.
#11 Mental Retardation	26	1	blank cell	blank cell
#12 Visually/Hearing Impaired	27	0	blank cell	blank cell
#13 Physically Disabled	27	0	blank cell	blank cell
#14 Emotionally Disturbed	25	2	blank cell	blank cell
#15 Other Diagnosed Condition	26	1	blank cell	blank cell
#16 Mother's Birth Year	26	1	blank cell	blank cell
#17 Father's Birth Year	21	6	blank cell	Not Found = 1
#18 Mother Married at Time of Birth 1 = Yes 2 = No 3 = Unable to Determine	20	4	1	Not Found = 2
#19 Date of Mother's TPR	21	3	2	Not Found = 2 Most of the reviewers indicated this element as wrong and wrote in the “file date” and noted that the reported date was the “hearing date.” For analysis purposes, these were counted as correct. The hearing date appeared to be consistently reported.
#20 Date of Father's TPR	21	3	2	Not Found = 2 Most of the reviewers indicated this element as wrong and wrote in the “file date” and noted that the reported date was the “hearing date.” For analysis purposes, these were counted as correct. The hearing date appeared to be consistently reported.
#21 Date Adoption Legalized	25	2	blank cell	blank cell
#22 Adoptive Family Structure 1 = Married Couple 2 = Unmarried Couple 3 = Single Female 4 = Single Male	24	3	blank cell	blank cell
#23 Adoptive Mother's Year of Birth	27	0	blank cell	blank cell
#24 Adoptive Father's Year of Birth	26	1	blank cell	blank cell
#25 Adoptive Mother's Race	20	1	blank cell	Not Found = 6
#26 Adoptive Mother's Hispanic Origin	21	0	blank cell	Not Found = 6
#27 Adoptive Father's Race	21	1	blank cell	Not Found = 5
#28 Adoptive Father's Hispanic Origin	22	blank cell	blank cell	blank cell
#29 Relationship of Adoptive Parent to Child - Stepparent	27	0	blank cell	blank cell
#30 Relationship of Adoptive Parent to Child - Other Relative	21	6	blank cell	There were five records in which the responses in #30 and #32 were reversed. The reviewer found that the adoptive parent was a relative, but the AFCARS indicates “other non-relative.” There were three records that could have been marked as “other relative” in addition to the reported “foster parent” information.
#31 Relationship of Adoptive Parent to Child - Foster Parent	26	0	1	There were eight records that “foster parent” could have been selected in addition to what was reported to AFCARS.
#32 Relationship of Adoptive Parent to Child - Other Non-Relative	20	6	1	There were five records in which the responses in #30 and #32 were reversed. The reviewer found that the adoptive parent was a relative, but the AFCARS indicate “other non-relative.” There was one record that could have been reported as “other non-relative” in addition to “foster parent” according to the review.
#33 Child Was Placed from 1 = Within State 2 = Another State 3 = Another Country	27	0	blank cell	blank cell
#34 Child Was Placed by 1 = Public Agency 2 = Private Agency 3 = Tribal Agency 4 = Independent Person 5 = Birth Parent	27	0	blank cell	blank cell
#35 Receiving Monthly Subsidy	22	5	blank cell	In the error cases, the response in AFCARS was “no,” but the reviewer found an adoption agreement with an amount specified.
#36 Monthly Amount	20	7	blank cell	In the error cases, the response in AFCARS was “no,” but the reviewer found an adoption agreement with an amount specified.
#37 Adoption Assistance	19	3	blank cell	Not Found = 5

Number of Cases Reviewed = 28 Number of Cases Analyzed = 27

Foster Care Case File Findings State: Iowa

Foster Care Case File Findings
State: Iowa