The State of Florida received a federal Title IV-E Waiver and began statewide implementation October 1, 2006. Florida's IV-E Waiver for funding flexibility was implemented through changes in State contracts with the Community-Based Care lead agencies. The Waiver allows federal dollars, previously restricted for out-of-home care services, to be used more flexibly on prevention and diversion services. These changes may lead to improved permanency and safety outcomes for children.

The purpose of the IV-E Waiver evaluation is to determine the effectiveness of expanded child welfare services and supports in improving permanency and safety outcomes for children in or at risk of entering out-of-home placement. Specifically, the evaluation tests the hypotheses that an expanded array of Community-Based Care services available through the flexible use of Title IV-E funds will expedite the achievement of permanency through either reunification or adoption; maintain child safety; increase child well-being; and reduce administrative costs associated with providing community-based child welfare services.

The evaluation is comprised of three related components including an outcome study; cost study; and process study (implementation analysis and child welfare practice analysis). The outcome study is a longitudinal study of the expected changes in child and family outcomes resulting from the Waiver, including reduction of the number of children entering out-of-home care, expediting the achievement of permanency, and a decrease in the likelihood of re-abuse and re-entry into out-of-home care. The cost analysis is a longitudinal examination of the relationship between Waiver implementation and changes in the use of child welfare funding sources. The child welfare practice analysis seeks to understand the existing child welfare services such as prevention and diversion strategies, family engagement, and service innovations via data collected from lead and provider network agencies.

Preliminary findings identify barriers and challenges related to Waiver implementation and include a refined theory of change based on focus groups with key stakeholders. Initial recommendations include need for additional targeted training for agencies interacting with the child welfare system, development of additional services and supports for children with disabilities, outreach and education on issues of poverty, neglect and abuse, inclusion of caregivers in services planning and collaboration among lead agencies to share innovative practices and approaches.

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