Did you know that Maryland has one of the lowest child placement rates in the country, with only 1.1 placements per thousand children? For a significant percentage of older youth, complex behavioral health needs are often the main reason for placement. Additionally, fewer than 5% of child welfare cases result in separation, meaning roughly 95% of families remain intact.
This workshop will provide an overview of the critical role data plays in child welfare, debunk common myths, and highlight key mandatory reports. It will also define data-driven management and offer tips for becoming a savvy data consumer. A demonstration of the DHS website for accessing current data will be included, along with recommendations for future progress.
About the Presenter
Judith Schagrin was bitten by the public agency child welfare “bug” in 1983 after taking a social work position with BCoDSS to develop the state’s first “interdependent” living preparation program. Throughout her career, she provided professional services across the child welfare spectrum, from child protective services through adoptions. She also served as a foster parent for Jewish Family Services. Over the last 20 years with BCoDSS, she served as the administrator for the foster care and adoptions program.
In 2001, in collaboration with colleague Susan Loysen, Judith founded and continues to co-direct Camp Connect, a week-long sleepaway camp reuniting siblings separated in foster care. Since retiring, Judith has been teaching child welfare at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, volunteering with the Red Cross to provide disaster mental health services, and facilitating resilience workshops for the military. Until recently, Judith worked part-time as a public policy analyst for Baltimore City DSS and now looks forward to dedicating more time to advocating for Maryland children and families served by child welfare.
Judith has been honored with recognition as the National Social Worker of the Year by her peers. She has also received the Betsey Rosenbaum award from the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators and has been featured in an article about social workers in the Atlantic, "From Social Worker to Foster Parent and Back."