State/University Collaboration to Strengthen Children's Residential and Placement Services

• NCJ Number: 237656
• Journal: Residential Treatment for Children & Youth Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: July - September 2011 Pages: 177-191
• Author(s): Larry Watson, M.S.S.W., Ph.D.; Rebecca L. Hegar, M.S.S.W., Ph.D.; Joy D. Patton, M.S.S.W., Ph.D.
• Date Published: August 2011
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents the development and implementation of a State/university collaboration intended to strengthen residential and child placement services.

Abstract

This article presents a model of collaboration between a State child welfare licensing division and a public university to develop and administer online examinations for persons seeking licensure as administrators of residential child care facilities or child placing agencies. The exams assess knowledge of State standards and various practice domains. The article presents the project's underpinnings in child welfare history, contingency theory, and literature on contracting and collaboration. The article examines other states' practices and details the evolution of this project since 2003. It concludes with discussion of the project's usefulness as a model for other States and jurisdictions. (Published Abstract)