December 1, 2008

Ensuring Quality in Contracted Child Welfare Services

This paper explains the importance of planning contract monitoring and accountability systems and training staff to be effective contract monitors. It describes the types of monitoring activities, as well as methods for collecting and using monitoring information. The paper provides examples of some of the decisions that must be made about what will be measured, and how child welfare agencies have worked collaboratively with providers to develop realistic and constructive approaches to contract monitoring.