(a) (1) The Department shall have a process for the assessment of the quality of casework services. (2) An entity that specializes in child welfare services that enters into a memorandum of understanding with the Department may review and provide guidance on the quality assessment process developed by the Department. (b) The quality assessment shall examine whether the outcome indicators established in §§ 5-1303 through 5-1306 of this subtitle have been substantially achieved. (c) (1) The process described in subsection (a) of this section shall assess the quality of casework services through in-depth child and family case reviews that involve direct interviews by qualified and trained reviewers with: (i) children; (ii) family members; (iii) caseworkers; (iv) judges; (v) court-appointed special advocates; (vi) foster parents; (vii) teachers; (viii) medical personnel; and (ix) others involved in providing support to the family. (2) The child and family case reviews shall determine whether: (i) children are safe; (ii) the needs of children are met, specifically that the children: 1. are enrolled in school and receiving appropriate educational services; and 2. have all timely medical, dental, and mental health services, based on the child's needs; and (iii) the visitation between separated family members is occurring frequently and regularly, consistent with the best interests of the child. (3) The performance reviews shall determine whether: (i) 1. the family participated in the development of the service agreement and the case plan; 2. the service agreement addressed the behaviors and circumstances that led to child abuse or neglect; and 3. the case plan and service agreement were timely initiated; (ii) the case plan was implemented and progress was made; (iii) all members of the team of professionals working with the family and the child met at regular intervals to make changes to services and supports as necessary; (iv) 1. a caseworker was promptly and regularly assigned and accessible to the case; 2. the assigned caseworker visited the child at least once per month; and 3. a supervisor has been regularly assigned and accessible to the case; and (v) the foster parent or kinship care provider is receiving all services necessary to meet the needs of the child, including child care, respite care, and other support services.
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