Instructions

This section includes the final findings of the State’s AFCARS assessment review. These findings include post-site visit analysis of the AFCARS general requirements, the foster care and adoption elements, and the case file review. The tables include the AFCARS data elements, the findings, and the rating factors. Some rating factors may differ from the factors given on the draft on-site findings matrices.

The findings include all notes and comments that the Federal review team received during the review. Not all comments address non-compliance issues. Some comments are notes on how the State conducts child welfare practice and are for reference purposes only. Frequency numbers are also provided in the “findings/notes” column for some elements.

It is possible that the problem with the data element and data are due to both system issues and case worker data entry issues. In this case, the element will be given a “2” to denote the need for the system logic to first be modified. Once the corrections are made to the system, then the data needs to be re-analyzed. If it appears problems related to case worker training or data entry still exist, then a “3” will be assigned to the requirement. A finding of full compliance (a factor of “4”) will not be given to the element until all system issues and/or data quality issues have been addressed.

When assessing the general requirements, all specifications for the requirement must be met in order for the requirement to be found in full compliance. If the issue is a programming logic problem, then a “2” will be assigned. If it appears the problem is due to data entry, then a “3” will be assigned to the requirement.

Some data elements have a direct relationship with each other. When this occurs, all related elements are given the same rating factor. This is because incorrect programming logic could affect the answers to all of the related data elements.

The State is required to make the changes to the information system and/or data entry in order to be found in compliance with applicable requirements and standards.

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