It’s tax season. Don’t miss out on valuable tax credits. Visit GetAheadColorado.org for free help.

 
0

Performance and Partnerships Exchange

The Performance and Partnerships Exchange (PPE) is a county peer-to-peer exchange focused on improving performance on county-facing C-Stat measures. Its purpose is to create an opportunity for counties to learn from one another and to highlight successful practices that may work in other counties. County Human Services Directors provide input on the focus measure.

Once a measure isselected, the CDHS Performance Management unit works with program staff to identify high-performing counties (typically 2 large, 2 medium, and 2 small) based on quantitative (i.e. C-Stat and Q/A data) and qualitative data (i.e. staff knowledge)

Each PPE culminates in a webinar and lessons learned materials.

To date, the Performance Management unit has completed seven exchanges. Expand the sections below to learn more.

Adult Protective Services and Child Welfare Timeliness Measures in Smaller Counties

In August 2016, County Human Services Directors voted to focus on smaller county performance on a set of six timeliness measures in the Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services programs as a part of the Performance and Partnerships Exchange:

  • APS Timeliness of Initial Response to New Reports
  • APS Timeliness of Initial Assessments
  • APS Timeliness of Investigations
  • APS Timeliness of Monthly Contacts
  • Child Welfare Timeliness of Initial Response to Abuse/Neglect Assessments
  • Child Welfare Timeliness of Assessment Closure

While statewide performance was exceeding or nearing the goal on these measures, the 44 Small counties - aggregated together - were performing between 5-15 percent lower and were not meeting any of the goals.

The CDHS Performance Management Division, Division of Child Welfare, and Aging & Adult Services Division sought to understand how certain counties overcome the challenges that contribute to lower performance in smaller counties. These Divisions met with five high-performing smaller counties-- Elbert County, Huerfano County, Lake County, Montezuma County, and Park County.

What We Learned

Percent of Current Child Support Collected

In October 2015, County Human Services Directors voted to focus on the Percent of Current Child Support Collected C-Stat measure as a part of the Performance and Partnerships Exchange. Cumulative state performance for calendar year 2015 was 64.4%, the goal is 66%.

The CDHS Performance Management Division and Child Support Services Division met with six well-performing counties (two large, two medium, and two small) to learn more about their practices in relation to this measure. Several consistent successful practices stood out among these well-performing counties, which are discussed in the webinar and materials below.

What We Learned

Timeliness of Expedited Food Assistance Applications

In April 2015, County Human Services Directors voted to focus on the Timeliness of Expedited Food Assistance Applications C-Stat measure as a part of the Performance and Partnerships Exchange. Between July 2014 and June 2015, the State performed at an average of 90.8%, the goal is 95%.

The CDHS Performance Management Division and Food and Energy Assistance Division met with six counties (2 large, 2 medium, and 2 small) to learn more about their practices in relation to this measure. These counties were chosen based on their strong performance relative to other counties of their size. Several consistent successful practices stood out among these well-performing counties in the following areas: 1) Timely First Touch, 2) Working Reports, and 3) Data-Driven Evaluation.

What We Learned

Timeliness of New and RRR Adult Financial Applications

In August 2014, County Human Services Directors voted to focus on the Timeliness of New Adult Financial Applications and Timeliness of Redetermination (RRR) Adult Financial Applications C-Stat measures as a part of the Performance and Partnerships Exchange. Between October 2013 and September 2014, the State performed at an average of 96 percent for the Timeliness of New Applications and at an average of 77 percent for the Timeliness of RRR Applications. The goal is 95 percent for both measures.

The CDHS Performance Management Division and Employment and Benefits Division (EBD) met with six counties (2 large, 2 medium, and 2 small) to learn more about their practices in relation to these measures. These counties were chosen based on their performance on timeliness (C-Stat data) and accuracy (Quality Assurance Division data).

Common standards stood out among these six well-performing counties in five areas: 1) practice, 2) supervision/expectations, 3) training, 4) quality assurance, and 5) tools to ensure timely and accurate assessments.

What We Learned

Timeliness of Initial Response to Abuse/Neglect Assessments

In April 2014, County Human Services Directors voted to focus on the Child Welfare Timeliness of Initial Response to Abuse and Neglect (A/N) Assessments C-Stat measure as a part of the Performance and Partnerships Exchange. The State performed at an average of 88.5 percent throughout the past 12 months. The goal is 90 percent.

The CDHS Performance Management Division and Division of Child Welfare met with seven counties to learn more about their practices in relation to this measure. These counties were chosen based on their performance on timeliness (C-Stat data) and quality of the initial response (Administrative Review Division data).

Common standards stood out among these seven well-performing counties in five areas: 1) practice 2) supervision/expectations 3) training 4) data tracking 5) tools to ensure timely and quality assessments.

From this exchange, we created a webinar, a one pager of general common standards, county one pagers of common standards, and tools that you can use in your county. To view these resources, please see the links below.

What We Learned

Food Assistance Payment Error Rate (PER)

In June 2017, County Human Service Directors voted to focus on the Food Assistance Payment Error Rate (PER) C-Stat Measure as a part of the Performance and Partnerships Exchange. The State performed at an average error rate of 5.9 between December 2016 and July 2017, which is above the goal of less than 3 percent.

The CDHS Performance Management Division and Division of Food and Energy Assistance met with seven counties to learn more about their practices related to this measure. These counties were chosen based on their consistently strong performance in avoiding payment error rates.

A few themes emerged from the best practices currently in use at the seven well-performing counties who participated in this process: 1) pre-authorization activities 2) case file reviews 3) communication & training.

From this exchange, we created a webinar, a one pager of best practices, and tools that you can use in your county. To view these resources, please see the links below.

What We Learned

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Referrals to Early Intervention Who Complete The Eligibility Process

In February 2018, County Human Services Directors voted to focus on the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) referrals to Early Intervention who complete the eligibility process C-Stat measure as a part of the Performance and Partnerships Exchange (PPE). The State performed at an average of 42.6% from July 2017 to June 2018, the goal is 55%.

The Colorado Department of Human Services' Performance Management Division, Division of Child Welfare, and Division of Community & Family Support met with four counties and four Community Centered Boards (CCBs) to learn more about their practices in relation to this measure. These counties and CCBs were chosen based on their high rate of successful completion of mandatory CAPTA referrals to Early Intervention and the subsequent completion of developmental screening for children ages 0-3 for whom there has been a substantiated finding of abuse or neglect.

These meetings identified common trends among well-performing counties in the following areas: 1) successful collaboration with CCB partners, 2) effective communication with parents/legal guardians, 3) training, and 4) timeliness.

From this exchange, we created a one page summary with best practices and known challenges to meeting this measure.

What We Learned

To view recommended tools, click on the links below:

Adult Protective Services Timeliness of Monthly Contacts

In August 2020, the Performance Management team supported a best practices conversation at the County C-Stat Collaborative focused on the Adult Protective Services Timeliness of Monthly Contacts C-Stat measure as a part of the Performance and Partnerships Exchange (PPE).  The State performed at an average of 92.8% from October 2019 to September 2020; the goal is 95%.

The Colorado Department of Human Services’ Performance Management Division, with the support of the Division of Aging and Adult Services, met with six counties to learn more about their practices in relation to this measure.  These counties were chosen based on their high rate of successful completion of timely monthly contacts for adults identified as needing Adult Protective Services.

These meetings identified common trends among well-performing counties in the following areas:  1) accessing available digital resources and reports regularly, 2) strategically planning time to meet with these adults monthly, 3) effective and appropriate screening practices naturally impact caseload size, and 4) building rapport with clients.

From this exchange, we created a summary with best practices, known challenges, regulations, and training tools to support counties in meeting this measure.

What We Learned

  • County Practices - Discusses the best practice themes that emerged during interviews with the six participating counties:  Broomfield County, Douglas County, Elbert County, Montezuma County, Pueblo County, and Weld County.
  • October 2020 Count C-Stat Collaborative Meeting -  a C-Stat meeting for counties and CDHS to discuss C-Stat Performance
CDHS logo

About CDHS

The Colorado Department of Human Services connects people with assistance, resources and support for living independently in our state. For more information about our organization, visit the CDHS organizational structure page.

#FFFFFF

Our mission

Together, we empower Coloradans to thrive. 

Our vision

To serve Coloradans through bold and innovative health and human services.

Our values

People-first approach. Balance. Accountability. Transparency. Ethical. Collaboration.

Our motto

We're the people who help people.

#FFFFFF

Accessibility

The Colorado Department of Human Services is committed to providing accessible services to all Coloradans. Learn more about our accessibility efforts.

#FFFFFF

placeholder