{"id":31721,"date":"2020-04-03T17:35:30","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T17:35:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/caseyfamilyv2.wpengine.com\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T21:37:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T21:37:46","slug":"lideres-de-bienestar-infantil-reducen-de-manera-segura-los-retrasos-en-las-investigaciones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00bfC\u00f3mo pueden los l\u00edderes de bienestar infantil disminuir de forma segura los retrasos en las investigaciones?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><h3>Summary<\/h3>\n<p><em>This brief looks at factors that contribute to backlogs and identifies strategies and key considerations to reduce them. It includes the experiences and lessons learned in individual child welfare systems.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"qff_disclaimer align wp-block-disclaimer content-section\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-0 md:px-5\">\n <div class=\"qff_disclaimer__wrapper text-salt-box text-xs font-sofiapro border-t-2 border-spring-wood\">\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><p><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Backlogs resulting from overdue child protective services (CPS) investigations are a threat to children\u2019s safety and create stress for child welfare staff and leaders. For families who may be the subject of a lingering investigation, the uncertainty generates added anxiety. In addition, investigation backlogs introduce inefficiency into already-stressed systems and can be detrimental to permanency and well-being.<a href=\"#footnotes\"><sup>1<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Investigation backlogs often develop insidiously and can become embedded as part of agency culture and accepted as status quo. While clearing backlogs takes time and prolonged effort, doing so can lead to increased child safety, decreased staff and family stress, decreased worker turnover, and more effective use of caseworker time. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n   <h2>Contributing factors<\/h2>\n  \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><p><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Backlogs often result from a combination of several factors, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Hotline screening policies and processes:<\/b> CPS staff in systems with broad screening policies and ineffective screening processes investigate a higher than necessary percentage of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/what-are-the-elements-of-an-effective-hotline-system\/\"><span class=\"s2\">hotline<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\"> calls. As a result of unreliable decision-making processes at the front end, time and resources are spent investigating cases that could have been screened out (and, alternatively, may miss those that<br \/>\nneed intervention).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Overworked investigators: <\/b>Backlogs can be both a cause and a result of unmanageable workloads. Insufficient staffing, challenging workloads, and high <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/turnover-costs-and-retention-strategies\/\"><span class=\"s2\">turnover<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\"> rates lead to overworked investigators, who may determine a child is safe but not complete the steps necessary to close the case given the pressure to respond to new investigations. In addition, investigators who do not have time to see a child and make a safety determination also leave the child at risk of harm.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Ineffective data monitoring and management of workflow:<\/b> Jurisdictions that do not track open and overdue cases and do not strategically distribute investigations among investigators are at high risk for backlog.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Reactive and burdensome policies<\/b><b>:<\/b> In some instances, policy makers and jurisdiction leaders operate in <\/span><span class=\"s2\">crisis mode<\/span><span class=\"s1\"> (\u201cmanaging by fatality\u201d). The response to child deaths and other critical incidents is one of firing staff or adding more policies (such as a new safety model or time-consuming documentation processes) that make the investigation process more cumbersome. This reactive approach creates a culture of fear and defensive practice leading to increased turnover and removals of children by caseworkers who are \u201cerring on the side of caution.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Outside influences: <\/b>Outside influences, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewtrusts.org\/en\/research-and-analysis\/blogs\/stateline\/2015\/3\/17\/qa-how-the-great-recession-affected-children\"><span class=\"s2\">economic recessions<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\"> affecting the number of available caseworkers and child maltreatment rates, can affect backlogs. Child deaths and other critical incidents, particularly those in which the child was already involved in the child welfare system, raise media attention and can increase the number of calls to hotlines. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/policy-and-practice-impacts\/\">Mandatory reporting laws<\/a>, which research shows increase the number of reports of maltreatment but do not increase the number of substantiations, also impact backlogs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block back-warm-ceramic margin-top margin-bottom padding-top padding-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><h3>Philadelphia\u2019s experience<\/h3>\n<p>Philadelphia developed backlogs due in part to a confluence of events both in and outside of the child protection agency. One backlog developed when a high-profile child death resulted in increased media coverage, which increased the number of hotline calls and led to a new child safety model that took time for staff to learn. Later, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lancasteronline.com\/news\/local\/after-the-sandusky-case-a-new-pennsylvania-law-creates-surge\/article_03541f66-b7a3-11e4-81cd-2f614d04c9af.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sandusky<\/a>\u00a0case resulted in a spike in maltreatment reports (in part through media coverage and in part through expanding the pool of mandated reporters).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n   <h2>Strategies to approach and sustain backlog reduction<\/h2>\n  \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><p><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Jurisdictions that have successfully reduced backlogs and sustained their success have implemented simultaneous strategies within a broader, multifaceted approach tailored to the unique needs of their agency and system. Some agencies have found that their backlog was a symptom of larger systemic issues, such that addressing it was one part of comprehensive system transformation, while others have found that implementing targeted changes directly related to screening, assessment, and investigations have been sufficient. Ultimately, because the underlying causes of investigation backlogs vary from one jurisdiction to another, one-size-fits-all solutions have not been effective.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"quote content-section light wp-block-quote backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom padding-top padding-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n  <div class=\"basic-quote text-revolver\">\n <blockquote class=\"relative z-0\"><p>Leadership has to have their hands in this and personally lead this charge. You have to make this urgent, and you have to show staff as a leader that you\u2019re willing to get deep in it with them.\u2026 We had calls every Friday at 7:30 a.m. I led those calls personally.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n  <figcaption class=\"text-md text-right mt-9 font-sofiapro\"><cite>&mdash; Jeff Lukich, DLH Corporation (formerly of Georgia Division of Family and Children Services)<\/cite><\/figcaption>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Identify root causes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Once a backlog has been identified, an important first step is determining the factors at play. Conducting a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/asq.org\/quality-resources\/root-cause-analysis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">root cause analysis<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\"> (including a thorough review of data and discussions with staff at multiple levels) ensures that the strategies developed to address the backlog match the particular problems and needs of the agency. Increased attention in the short term can decrease a backlog, but a backlog will always recur if the root causes are not accurately identified and addressed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In <b>Oklahoma<\/b>, after systematically working through a large backlog with an all-hands-on-deck approach, the backlog began increasing again as soon as agency leaders stopped focusing on it. They realized they had not taken the time to analyze the drivers of the backlog, incorrectly assuming it was due to a staff shortage. While developing plans to address the second backlog, agency leaders discovered a root cause: lack of expectations around case closures. There were expectations around the number of open cases a CPS caseworker could have at one time, but there was no expectation around how many cases they should close per month. Some closed two cases per month, while others closed 10. Oklahoma then developed an expectation about the number of investigations each caseworker should close per month, which now contributes to their success in keeping the backlog minimal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Screening in too many calls to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/hotline-topical-page\/\">hotlines<\/a> can also be a root cause of backlogs, which also leads to unnecessary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/investigation-removal-placement-causes-trauma\/\">trauma for children and families being investigated<\/a>. Conducting careful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/hotline-data\/\">analyses of hotline policies, practices, and outcomes<\/a> can help child protection agencies gain a better understanding of which types of cases tend to be screened in unnecessarily, what types of supports are needed in the community, and whether there are disproportionalities or disparities among groups (such as race\/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation).<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Prioritize leadership involvement<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Jurisdiction leaders who have led their systems through the successful elimination of a backlog have been actively involved in all aspects of the process, consistently communicating the message that safely eliminating the backlog is everyone\u2019s responsibility. Leaders have experienced success when they have sought to inspire staff at all levels of the agency, encouraging, supporting, and championing their teams as they work through the backlog, and maintaining an engaging message regarding the importance of reducing the backlog to ensure children\u2019s safety. Effective jurisdiction leaders do not dictate the details of how the backlog should be tackled; rather, they provide support and resources to field offices as they develop and implement local solutions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Successful leadership strategies to reduce backlogs have included visiting offices in person to check in with staff and provide support, leading or attending regular check-in calls, and tracking the details of backlogged cases. Close involvement of leadership throughout the backlog reduction effort also makes it easier to address needs (such as staff reallocation or overtime authorization) as they arise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Examine and continually monitor data<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Caseworkers, supervisors, and managers often do not have effective mechanisms to accurately track and monitor caseloads, including determining the number of open and overdue cases. In addition, there may not be a statewide, centralized database for agency leaders to use to assess case progress in real time. Having this data easily accessible through timely reports or dashboards is critical for monitoring progress and deploying resources where they are most needed. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">A manager or director can use these dashboards to identify where the backlog is highest and focus efforts in those locations. Once the backlog has been successfully reduced, leaders will want to create and maintain mechanisms for the ongoing and regular daily or weekly review of data. They will also want to set some thresholds, where going above a certain threshold kicks in a new set of processes to prevent the backlog from growing again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">When <b>New York City<\/b> was working through its backlog, agency leaders relied heavily on weekly reports that provided information about open cases at the caseworker, supervisor, and manager level. These reports allowed managers and deputy directors to clearly see where the backlog was highest so they could identify barriers and target resources as needed. Managers could also see their progress compared to other units, which resulted in a friendly competition that boosted their progress.<\/span><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"quote content-section light wp-block-quote backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom padding-top padding-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n  <div class=\"basic-quote text-revolver\">\n <blockquote class=\"relative z-0\"><p>We\u2019re freeing up capacity by getting those cases closed quicker, with reduced documentation. We\u2019re getting them closed quicker because there\u2019s an easier route to get to a supervisor to actually get those cases closed. We\u2019re freeing up the capacity of the local caseworkers to [handle] unsafe cases in a timely manner.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n  <figcaption class=\"text-md text-right mt-9 font-sofiapro\"><cite>&mdash; Mark Tschampl, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare<\/cite><\/figcaption>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Consider temporary or permanent staffing changes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">A variety of staffing models have been used to successfully work through backlogs. Some jurisdictions instituted temporary voluntary or mandatory overtime, while others hired temporary staff or reallocated existing staff for a period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Los Angeles<\/b> explored the use of overtime to ensure it was being managed as effectively as possible. Leaders discovered that the staff who were using overtime were not necessarily the most efficient. In close cooperation with the union, leaders identified staff who did not have a backlog and had not been using overtime. These efficient workers utilized overtime to address the backlog in their respective offices. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Other jurisdictions hired temporary caseworkers and relied heavily on case aides for administrative tasks associated with closing cases. In Georgia, caseworkers from counties with lower backlogs were temporarily deployed to counties with higher backlogs. Oklahoma created multiple strategies to provide additional support for frontline staff, including a program called \u201cBacklog Buddies,\u201d in which experienced child welfare staff from across the state volunteered to assist staff struggling with a backlog.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single is-style-single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block back-warm-ceramic margin-top margin-bottom padding-top padding-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><h3>Key information to include on a CPS dashboard:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">number of open assessments<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">number of open investigations<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">number of overdue assessments<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">number of overdue investigations<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">length of time open<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">due date of assessment<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">status of case in terms of reaching a safety decision (for example, pending initial contact or waiting for collaterals)<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">closure rate (number of assessments closed per month)<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">target number of cases closed per month<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">number of alleged victims who have not yet received an initial contact<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">staff vacancy rate<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">use of overtime<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Implement temporary or permanent policy and practice changes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Jurisdictions working through backlogs also implemented policy and practice changes, some of which were temporary and some of which ultimately became permanent. Many of these changes involved the assessment and decision-making process. <b>New York City<\/b>, for example, revised policy so that if a family needed services but the investigation was not yet complete, the ongoing services team would accept the family and begin services while the investigation continued. After implementing hotline-guided decision making (similar to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/topics\/casework-practice\/decision-making\/?top=259\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">structured decision making<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\">), <b>Philadelphia<\/b> began diverting cases with no active safety threats to the prevention unit so families could receive needed supports, such as emergency financial assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Georgia<\/b> found it useful to streamline documentation requirements, implementing the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ihi.org\/resources\/Pages\/Tools\/sbartoolkit.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\"> process (commonly used in health care). In addition, the state instituted a waiver process, in which all cases open more than 45 days required a waiver approved by a regional director. This approach motivated caseworkers to complete cases so they wouldn\u2019t have to request a waiver, and kept leaders engaged because they were required to sign a statement attesting that they personally waived the case to stay open for investigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Arizona<\/b> implemented a permanent change in the way offices manage reports of maltreatment. They created groups of three neighboring offices (called \u201cgeo groups\u201d) which help each other out with investigating reports. If one office has a high level of vacancies or a high caseload overall, it shifts some of its reports to one or both of the other offices. The three geo groups communicate with each other throughout the week via a shared electronic document.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"quote content-section light wp-block-quote backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom padding-top padding-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n  <div class=\"basic-quote text-revolver\">\n <blockquote class=\"relative z-0\"><p>The energy, effort, and tools to reduce a backlog is significantly different from the energy, effort, and tools that it takes to sustain it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n  <figcaption class=\"text-md text-right mt-9 font-sofiapro\"><cite>&mdash; J Michael Faust, Arizona Department of Child Safety<\/cite><\/figcaption>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Host regular meetings focused on the backlog<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Standing meetings (recommended at a weekly cadence) during which the backlog is discussed in detail ensures appropriate focus on the backlog. Guided by data, these meetings allow for regular monitoring, checking progress toward targets, sharing of strategies, and, often, friendly competition. When <b>Oklahoma<\/b> was reducing its backlog, directors reported weekly about what their team had committed to, what barriers they removed, and what barriers they were committed to removing the following week. After resolving the backlog, these meetings can be repurposed for sustainment discussions.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block back-warm-ceramic margin-top margin-bottom padding-top padding-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><h3>Idaho: A collaborative approach to child safety<\/h3>\n<p>Idaho decreased its backlog \u2014 and has sustained the decrease \u2014 in large part due to changes in the assessment process, including dedicating a centralized group of supervisors to helping investigators close out safe cases. Idaho implemented a comprehensive safety assessment model to determine which cases were safe \u2014 those that did not need an investigation \u2014 and which were unsafe, those that needed an investigation. When a case is determined to be safe, the safety assessor can call into the centralized consultant group to discuss and close the case. (Cases in which a child is unsafe stay with the local supervisor for coordination of transfer of case management and services). During the call, the safety assessor presents the case findings, and the consultant annotates the case and closes it in the system in real time. This allows safety assessors to reach supervisors much more quickly because local supervisors are not always available. This model has resulted in a huge turnaround for Idaho, with both the average length of time to closure and the average caseload among investigators decreasing significantly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Engage in clear, consistent two-way communication<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Having a structured communication plan that allows for two-way exchange is also critical. This includes providing regular, detailed, and consistent messaging that conveys a sense of urgency and allows staff to see and celebrate their progress. Given that policies and practices may change as part of the backlog reduction effort, clear policy and practice guidance needs to be communicated as well. This process involves soliciting feedback from staff regularly \u2014 and in particular at the beginning of implementation \u2014 so that procedures can be adjusted as necessary. Not only will staff be more invested in the process, but the process can be improved based on their input.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Partner with the labor union<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Engage the union as a partner. When <b>Los Angeles<\/b> was addressing its backlog, jurisdiction leaders and staff worked closely with the union, meeting in person monthly to track data, identify systemic barriers, and develop strategies to overcome barriers. The union was included as a partner from the beginning, with the recognition that it would not be possible to overcome the backlog or sustain improvements without effective collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Focus on prevention<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">One potentially powerful long-term solution to prevent investigation backlogs is to move upstream, decreasing the number of hotline calls coming in by strengthening local communities, supporting a range of different <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/prevention\/\"><span class=\"s2\">prevention programs<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\"> and supports such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/family-resource-centers\/\"><span class=\"s2\">Family Resource Centers<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\">, <\/span><span class=\"s2\">crisis nurseries<\/span><span class=\"s1\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/home-visiting-programs-reduce-maltreatment\/\"><span class=\"s2\">home visiting<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"quote content-section light wp-block-quote backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom padding-top padding-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n  <div class=\"basic-quote text-revolver\">\n <blockquote class=\"relative z-0\"><p>These reports represent kids and families.\u2026 We needed to re-message and help staff understand that it wasn\u2019t just about getting something done but it was also about the safety and well-being of families and children.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n  <figcaption class=\"text-md text-right mt-9 font-sofiapro\"><cite>&mdash; Zeinab Chahine, Casey Family Programs (formerly with New York City Administration for Children\u2019s Services)<\/cite><\/figcaption>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n   <h2>Key considerations<\/h2>\n  \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><p><!-- wp:heading {\"className\":\"p2\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">When developing and implementing a plan to reduce a backlog, keeping the following considerations in mind can help ensure long-term success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Ensure children\u2019s safety and well-being<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">That children\u2019s safety is paramount must be communicated to staff clearly and often. While reducing the number of backlogged cases is an urgent priority, leaders do not want staff to get overly focused on numbers, forgetting the children and families behind the numbers. Although staff are responsible for documenting the steps they take, their work should not reflect a transactional approach with children and families, and leaders should emphasize the special vulnerabilities of <\/span><span class=\"s2\">infants and toddlers<\/span><span class=\"s1\"> when prioritizing efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Sustainability is critical<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Because backlogs generally develop quickly without being noticed, each leader in the chain of command (or their designee) should be assigned to monitor for backlog at all times. An agency may choose to establish a threshold above which a process is triggered to ensure the backlog doesn\u2019t continue to grow unchecked. Leaders have found it helpful to include backlog prevention in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acf.hhs.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/cb\/im1207.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"s2\">Continuous Quality Improvement<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\"> plans and to develop accountability structures that are formalized in policy and practice standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Take time to plan first<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tackling an investigation backlog can feel like a high stakes, high pressure race. However, leaders who have successfully eliminated backlogs caution against addressing it too quickly or through heavy-handed administrative measures. Although having a backlog is an urgent situation, taking the time to identify the primary reason(s) for the backlog and to create protocols that address root causes will pay off. Assembling a workgroup with representatives from multiple departments, including hotline, investigations, ongoing\/in-home services, human resources, technology, facilities, and training is a first step toward identifying root causes and developing an effective backlog reduction workplan. A jurisdiction may need to develop immediate ways to address the backlog to move the workload to a comfortable level, but it will also need to put policies in place that ensure progress is sustained over the long term. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Rethinking the status quo may be necessary<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Jurisdiction leaders and staff can become so used to having a backlog that they don\u2019t even realize the problem; and the more the backlog builds, the more overwhelming it is to consider addressing it. Educating leaders and staff about the negative repercussions of a backlog and sharing case studies of jurisdictions that have successfully reduced their backlogs can help agencies understand that it is both prudent and possible to address the issue. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Reframe \u201caccountability\u201d through principles of safety science and safety culture<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In addition to changing agency norms so that backlogs are no longer considered part of \u201chow we do business,\u201d jurisdictions may need to move from a culture of compliance and blame to one focused on quality performance and accountability. Staff are often afraid of the word \u201caccountability\u201d because they equate it with punishment. Reframing accountability as a two-way process to ensure staff receive needed support, rather than as a punitive measure, can help staff at all levels overcome this fear. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chronicleofsocialchange.org\/opinion\/five-things-child-welfare-must-learn-from-safety-science\/35611\"><span class=\"s2\">agencies are also integrating<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\"> the principles of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/safety-science-child-welfare\/\"><span class=\"s2\">safety science<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\"> to look at systemic factors and balance system responsibility with individual accountability. Applying safety science principles to create a safe environment to proactively identify and address system vulnerability and avoid reactive and blameful approaches has the potential to improve outcomes for families and children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Address staff turnover and morale<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Having a large backlog can make staff feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and frightened. Stress and fear lead to increased <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/turnover-costs-and-retention-strategies\/\"><span class=\"s2\">turnover<\/span><\/a><span class=\"s1\">, which not only impacts progress in decreasing the backlog but is costly, as the jurisdiction then needs to invest in hiring and training new staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">When working to reduce a backlog, noticing and celebrating both small and large successes helps staff feel that their efforts are paying off and can encourage them to continue their work. Simple gestures such as lunch parties or doughnuts on Saturday mornings can improve staff morale. In Arizona, letting staff know the moment they had achieved \u201cnet zero\u201d (that is, the backlog was stabilizing rather than continuing to increase), provided a sense of relief and increased staff motivation. Several jurisdictions noted that positive peer pressure created a sense of healthy competition, which increased the momentum as staff worked through backlogged cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"className\":\"p4\"} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading p4\"><b>Watch for unintended consequences<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Several leaders cautioned about the unintended repercussions from an intense focus on backlog reduction. In <b>Philadelphia<\/b>, for example, the agency focused so intensively on reducing its backlog that it \u201clost sight of permanency\u201d and ended up with a significant number of children in care for long periods of time. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Finally, leaders expressed the importance of creating a sustainable long-term strategy, instead of dependency on short-term resources that had been deployed to clear up the backlog.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"qff_disclaimer align wp-block-disclaimer content-section\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-0 md:px-5\">\n <div class=\"qff_disclaimer__wrapper text-salt-box text-xs font-sofiapro border-t-2 border-spring-wood\">\n <p>Casey Family Programs consults with individuals and teams across the country to compile research, experiences, and insights about approaches that can safely reduce the need for foster care and ensure the well-being of children and families. We share this information broadly to help child welfare leaders and their partners tackle similar issues in their own communities. For questions about this resource, or if you have other child welfare information needs, please email <a href=\"mailto:kmresources@casey.org\">kmresources@casey.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"footnotes\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:2px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"footnote wp-block-footnote\">\n  <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5 text-3xs text-black-currant\">\n    <p><!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"p1 note\"} --><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1 note\"><span class=\"s1\">1 Based on interviews with Anne Marie Ambrose, Casey Family Programs, September 9, 2019; Zeinab Chahine, Casey Family Programs, September 20, 2019; Brian Clapier, Casey Family Programs, September 16, 2019; Jackie Contreras, Casey Family Programs, August 19, 2019; Dan Cowan, Casey Family Programs, and Jami LeDoux, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, August 21, 2019; Michael Faust, Arizona Department of Child Safety, October 21, 2019 and November 8, 2019; Matt Gebhardt, Casey Family Programs, August 21, 2019; Jeff Lukich, DLH Corporation, September 3, 2019; and Mark Tschampl, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, September 25, 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-section light fresh-text single wp-block-fresh-text backgrounds-and-margins-aware-block margin-top margin-bottom\">\n <div class=\"container mx-auto px-5\">\n\n \n \n <!-- The CTA is moved up next to the title when in the Head Section style -->\n \n  <div class=\"callout\"><script>\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1.\"),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var d=gform.hooks[o][r];null==n&&(n=r+\"_\"+d.length),gform.hooks[o][r].push({tag:n,callable:e,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(r,o,e){var t;if(e=Array.prototype.slice.call(e,1),null!=gform.hooks[r][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[r][o]).sort(function(o,r){return o.priority-r.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){\"function\"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),\"action\"==r?t.apply(null,e):e[0]=t.apply(null,e)})),\"filter\"==r)return e[0]},removeHook:function(o,r,t,n){var e;null!=gform.hooks[o][r]&&(e=(e=gform.hooks[o][r]).filter(function(o,r,e){return!!(null!=n&&n!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][r]=e)}});\n<\/script>\n\n                <div class='gf_browser_gecko gform_wrapper gform_legacy_markup_wrapper gform-theme--no-framework' data-form-theme='legacy' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_5' style='display:none'><div id='gf_5' class='gform_anchor' tabindex='-1'><\/div><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data' target='gform_ajax_frame_5' id='gform_5'  action='\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31721#gf_5' data-formid='5' novalidate>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><ul id='gform_fields_5' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><li id=\"field_5_11\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_5_11'><span class='gform-field-label__text'>Facebook<\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_11' id='input_5_11' type='text' value='' autocomplete='new-password'\/><\/div><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_5_11'>This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_5_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gfield--choice-align-vertical\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' ><span class='gform-field-label__text'>Was this page useful?<\/span><\/label><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_5_1'><h5>Was this page useful?<\/h5><\/div><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_5_1'>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_1_0'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_1' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_5_1_0'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_1_0' id='label_5_1_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Yes<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_1_1'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_1' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_5_1_1'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_1_1' id='label_5_1_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>No<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_5_2\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_5_2'><span class='gform-field-label__text'>What can we do to improve it?<\/span><\/label><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_5_2'><h5>What can we do to improve it?<\/h5><\/div><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_textarea'><textarea name='input_2' id='input_5_2' class='textarea medium'  aria-describedby=\"gfield_description_5_2\"    aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_5_3\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_5_3'><span class='gform-field-label__text'>What did you like about it?<\/span><\/label><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_5_3'><h5>What did you like about it?<\/h5><\/div><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_textarea'><textarea name='input_3' id='input_5_3' class='textarea medium'  aria-describedby=\"gfield_description_5_3\"    aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_5_4\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gfield--choice-align-vertical\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' ><span class='gform-field-label__text'>Are you willing to tell us your role\/affiliation so we can learn more about our readers?<\/span><\/label><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_5_4'><h5> Are you willing to tell us your role\/affiliation so we can learn more about our readers?<\/h5><\/div><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_5_4'>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_4_0'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_4' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_5_4_0'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_4_0' id='label_5_4_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Yes<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_4_1'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_4' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_5_4_1'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_4_1' id='label_5_4_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>No<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_5_9\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gfield--choice-align-vertical\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' ><span class='gform-field-label__text'>Select which best describes your role\/affiliation<\/span><\/label><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_5_9'><h5>Select which best describes your role\/affiliation<\/h5><\/div><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_5_9'>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_9_0'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_9' type='radio' value='Staff at a child welfare agency or provider organization'  id='choice_5_9_0'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_9_0' id='label_5_9_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Staff at a child welfare agency or provider organization<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_9_1'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_9' type='radio' value='Staff at an Indian Child Welfare agency'  id='choice_5_9_1'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_9_1' id='label_5_9_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Staff at an Indian Child Welfare agency<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_9_2'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_9' type='radio' value='Staff at a community, neighborhood, or other non-profit organization'  id='choice_5_9_2'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_9_2' id='label_5_9_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Staff at a community, neighborhood, or other non-profit organization<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_9_3'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_9' type='radio' value='Staff at a philanthropic or private foundation'  id='choice_5_9_3'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_9_3' id='label_5_9_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Staff at a philanthropic or private foundation<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_9_4'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_9' type='radio' value='Staff in a child welfare &quot;adjacent&quot; field (e.g., education, health care, criminal justice, etc.)'  id='choice_5_9_4'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_9_4' id='label_5_9_4' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Staff in a child welfare &#8220;adjacent&#8221; field (e.g., education, health care, criminal justice, etc.)<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_9_5'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_9' type='radio' value='Court personnel (e.g., Judge, attorney, etc.)'  id='choice_5_9_5'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_9_5' id='label_5_9_5' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Court personnel (e.g., Judge, attorney, etc.)<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_9_6'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_9' type='radio' value='Policymaker or legislative staffer'  id='choice_5_9_6'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_9_6' id='label_5_9_6' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Policymaker or legislative staffer<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_9_7'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_9' type='radio' value='Person who is directly involved with the child welfare system (e.g., parent, grandparent, foster\/resource parent, youth in care, etc.)'  id='choice_5_9_7'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_9_7' id='label_5_9_7' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Person who is directly involved with the child welfare system (e.g., parent, grandparent, foster\/resource parent, youth in care, etc.)<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_9_8'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_9' type='radio' value='Other'  id='choice_5_9_8'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_9_8' id='label_5_9_8' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Other<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_5_8\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gfield--choice-align-vertical\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' ><span class='gform-field-label__text'>Are you in<\/span><\/label><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_5_8'><h5>Are you in<\/h5><\/div><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_5_8'>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_8_0'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_8' type='radio' value='direct practice'  id='choice_5_8_0'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_8_0' id='label_5_8_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>direct practice<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_8_1'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_8' type='radio' value='senior leadership'  id='choice_5_8_1'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_8_1' id='label_5_8_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>senior leadership<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li class='gchoice gchoice_5_8_2'>\n\t\t\t\t<input name='input_8' type='radio' value='Other'  id='choice_5_8_2'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_5_8_2' id='label_5_8_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>Other<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_5_10\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_above hidden_label field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_5_10'><span class='gform-field-label__text'>My role\/affiliation is<\/span><\/label><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_5_10'><h5>My role\/affiliation is<\/h5><\/div><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_10' id='input_5_10' type='text' value='' class='large'  aria-describedby=\"gfield_description_5_10\"    aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n        <div class='gform-footer gform_footer top_label'> <button type='submit' id='gform_submit_button_5' class='gform_button button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='submit' >Submit<\/button> <input type='hidden' name='gform_ajax' value='form_id=5&amp;title=&amp;description=&amp;tabindex=0&amp;theme=legacy&amp;styles=[]&amp;hash=5bca2e210debe6f2e4848e7ed06ed207' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submission_method' data-js='gform_submission_method_5' value='iframe' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_theme' data-js='gform_theme_5' id='gform_theme_5' value='legacy' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_style_settings' data-js='gform_style_settings_5' id='gform_style_settings_5' value='[]' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_5' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='5' \/>\n            \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_currency' data-currency='USD' value='bICPK7HQSGFuucs\/R30xQ2+eOv1q9BDywI0ace8DG4DH81ig3g2tBwQHXzwHPeqQotJf0qV8o8VpXfzuV\/8dChj6eryfIRrA5YKfdpgQyMI+o48=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_5' value='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' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_5' id='gform_target_page_number_5' value='0' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_5' id='gform_source_page_number_5' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n            \n        <\/div>\n                        <\/form>\n                        <\/div>\n\t\t                <iframe style='display:none;width:0px;height:0px;' src='about:blank' name='gform_ajax_frame_5' id='gform_ajax_frame_5' title='This iframe contains the logic required to handle Ajax powered Gravity Forms.'><\/iframe>\n\t\t                <script>\ngform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_5').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_5');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_5').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){form_content.find('form').css('opacity', 0);jQuery('#gform_wrapper_5').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_5').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_5').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { \/* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome *\/ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_5').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_5').val();jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [5, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_5'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_5').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_5').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [5]);window['gf_submitting_5'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_5').text());}else{jQuery('#gform_5').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger(\"gform_pre_post_render\", [{ formId: \"5\", currentPage: \"current_page\", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);        if (event && event.defaultPrevented) {                return;        }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_wrapper_5\" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( \"span\" );            visibilitySpan.id = \"gform_visibility_test_5\";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( \"afterend\", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_visibility_test_5\" );        let postRenderFired = false;        function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            gform.core.triggerPostRenderEvents( 5, current_page );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );\n<\/script>\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n <!-- conversly to above, we need to not show the CTA here if it's the Head Section style -->\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aprenda c\u00f3mo varias agencias redujeron con \u00e9xito los retrasos acumulados resultantes de investigaciones de servicios de protecci\u00f3n infantil vencidas.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":36982,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[275,264],"content_type":[205],"hidden-tags-misc":[],"audience":[317,498],"content_location":[333,335,343,345,329,367,371,374],"topic":[411,412,432,438,501,466],"class_list":["post-31721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-best-practices-in-care","category-ensure-every-child-has-safe-supportive-lifelong-family","content_type-brief","audience-child-welfare-leader","audience-social-worker-direct-practitioner","content_location-arizona","content_location-california","content_location-georgia","content_location-idaho","content_location-national","content_location-new-york","content_location-oklahoma","content_location-pennsylvania","topic-child-safety","topic-child-welfare-leadership","topic-hotline-investigation","topic-intake-practice","topic-questions-from-the-field","topic-workforce-and-organizational-practice"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.4 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Safely decrease backlogs \u2013 Casey Family Programs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how several agencies successfully reduced backlogs that resulted from overdue child protective services investigations.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/lideres-de-bienestar-infantil-reducen-de-manera-segura-los-retrasos-en-las-investigaciones\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How can child welfare leaders safely decrease investigation backlogs?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how several agencies successfully reduced backlogs that resulted from overdue child protective services investigations.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/lideres-de-bienestar-infantil-reducen-de-manera-segura-los-retrasos-en-las-investigaciones\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Casey Family Programs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-04-03T17:35:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-31T21:37:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/media\/HO_Facebook_Header.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Scott Brown\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/media\/HO_Twitter_Header.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Scott Brown\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"1 minuto\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Scott Brown\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/277402869a8f7ae40f29a909eee4a2cb\"},\"headline\":\"How can child welfare leaders safely decrease investigation backlogs?\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-04-03T17:35:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-31T21:37:46+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":9,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/iStock-2217392709-scaled-e1775499517623.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Child safety\",\"Hotline\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Best practices in care\",\"Ensure every child has a safe, supportive and lifelong family\"],\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/\",\"name\":\"Safely decrease backlogs \u2013 Casey Family Programs\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/iStock-2217392709-scaled-e1775499517623.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-04-03T17:35:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-31T21:37:46+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/277402869a8f7ae40f29a909eee4a2cb\"},\"description\":\"Learn how several agencies successfully reduced backlogs that resulted from overdue child protective services investigations.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/iStock-2217392709-scaled-e1775499517623.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/iStock-2217392709-scaled-e1775499517623.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":628,\"caption\":\"Affectionate Maori father with his cute little daughter, gazing at her daughter with love and having a big smile on his face.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How can child welfare leaders safely decrease investigation backlogs?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Casey Family Programs\",\"description\":\"Safe Children, Strong Families, Supportive Communities\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/277402869a8f7ae40f29a909eee4a2cb\",\"name\":\"Scott Brown\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/54f92a2f06fbe6035ea3480a231badaae20ddd318774694353c849fbbe2ff471?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/54f92a2f06fbe6035ea3480a231badaae20ddd318774694353c849fbbe2ff471?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/54f92a2f06fbe6035ea3480a231badaae20ddd318774694353c849fbbe2ff471?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Scott Brown\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/es\\\/author\\\/sbrowncasey-org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.casey.org\\\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\",\"url\":\"\",\"contentUrl\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Casey Family Programs\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Disminuir de forma segura los trabajos acumulados \u2013 Casey Family Programs","description":"Aprenda c\u00f3mo varias agencias redujeron con \u00e9xito los retrasos acumulados resultantes de investigaciones de servicios de protecci\u00f3n infantil vencidas.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/lideres-de-bienestar-infantil-reducen-de-manera-segura-los-retrasos-en-las-investigaciones\/","og_locale":"es_MX","og_type":"article","og_title":"How can child welfare leaders safely decrease investigation backlogs?","og_description":"Learn how several agencies successfully reduced backlogs that resulted from overdue child protective services investigations.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/lideres-de-bienestar-infantil-reducen-de-manera-segura-los-retrasos-en-las-investigaciones\/","og_site_name":"Casey Family Programs","article_published_time":"2020-04-03T17:35:30+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-07-31T21:37:46+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/media\/HO_Facebook_Header.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"Scott Brown","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_image":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/media\/HO_Twitter_Header.jpg","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Scott Brown","Est. reading time":"1 minuto"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/"},"author":{"name":"Scott Brown","@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/#\/schema\/person\/277402869a8f7ae40f29a909eee4a2cb"},"headline":"How can child welfare leaders safely decrease investigation backlogs?","datePublished":"2020-04-03T17:35:30+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-31T21:37:46+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/"},"wordCount":9,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/iStock-2217392709-scaled-e1775499517623.jpg","keywords":["Child safety","Hotline"],"articleSection":["Best practices in care","Ensure every child has a safe, supportive and lifelong family"],"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/","url":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/","name":"Disminuir de forma segura los trabajos acumulados \u2013 Casey Family Programs","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/iStock-2217392709-scaled-e1775499517623.jpg","datePublished":"2020-04-03T17:35:30+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-31T21:37:46+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/#\/schema\/person\/277402869a8f7ae40f29a909eee4a2cb"},"description":"Aprenda c\u00f3mo varias agencias redujeron con \u00e9xito los retrasos acumulados resultantes de investigaciones de servicios de protecci\u00f3n infantil vencidas.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"es","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/iStock-2217392709-scaled-e1775499517623.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/iStock-2217392709-scaled-e1775499517623.jpg","width":1200,"height":628,"caption":"Affectionate Maori father with his cute little daughter, gazing at her daughter with love and having a big smile on his face."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How can child welfare leaders safely decrease investigation backlogs?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/","name":"Programas Familiares Casey","description":"Ni\u00f1os seguros, familias fuertes, comunidades solidarias","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/#\/schema\/person\/277402869a8f7ae40f29a909eee4a2cb","name":"Scott Brown","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54f92a2f06fbe6035ea3480a231badaae20ddd318774694353c849fbbe2ff471?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54f92a2f06fbe6035ea3480a231badaae20ddd318774694353c849fbbe2ff471?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54f92a2f06fbe6035ea3480a231badaae20ddd318774694353c849fbbe2ff471?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Scott Brown"},"url":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/author\/sbrowncasey-org\/"},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/child-welfare-leaders-safely-decrease-investigation-backlogs\/#local-main-organization-logo","url":"","contentUrl":"","caption":"Casey Family Programs"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/iStock-2217392709-scaled-e1775499517623.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31721","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31721"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31721\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38414,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31721\/revisions\/38414"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36982"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31721"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31721"},{"taxonomy":"content_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_type?post=31721"},{"taxonomy":"hidden-tags-misc","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hidden-tags-misc?post=31721"},{"taxonomy":"audience","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/audience?post=31721"},{"taxonomy":"content_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_location?post=31721"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=31721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}