Measure 2690

Of the individuals who were contacted this reporting period to follow up on technical assistance received, how many reported increased use of best practices or improved program implementation?

RequiredoutcomeFY2026Q16

Individuals refers to professionals in law enforcement, child protection services, and other related social services, such as juvenile justice professionals in state and local departments of juvenile justice, court and probation personnel, prosecutors, Guardians ad Litem, medical professionals, mental health experts, or victim advocates who work to address allegations of child abuse. Training refers to in-person or virtual teaching and learning activities, including planning, curriculum development, and curriculum delivery, as well as skills-based training that teaches practical, hands-on, and specific job-related abilities and competencies that learners can immediately apply in their work and organizations. Best practices for child advocacy programs focus on a trauma- informed, multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach where medical, legal, and mental health professionals coordinate investigations to minimize child trauma. Effective programs prioritize the child’s voice, ensure confidentiality, provide individualized support, and use evidence-based practices for prevention and intervention. Examples of child advocacy best practices include: • Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Approach: Coordinate efforts among child protective services, law enforcement, medical professionals, and therapists to provide a cohesive, evidence-based response to abuse, reducing the need for multiple interviews. • Trauma-Informed Care: Ensure all staff are trained in trauma-informed care and prioritize the child's psychological safety. The goal is to provide services that empower survivors without re-traumatizing them. • Child-Centered Advocacy: Validate the child's experience and ensure they feel safe and supported throughout the process; involve children and non-offending caregivers in decision-making regarding their care; and tailor advocacy to the specific and evolving needs of the family. • Prevention and Education Strategies: Can include training staff on abuse detection and implementing rigorous screening processes. • Structured Decision-Making Tools: Assess risk and inform case management to ensure consistent, high-quality care. • Family Engagement: Activities that involve parents in advocacy—particularly in early childhood programs— such as through Policy Councils.. Improved program implementation involves enhancing the processes, strategies, and actions used to execute a program; using data for continuous improvement; adapting to local contexts; overcoming implementation barriers; and enhancing coordination with other organizations. This can include aligning, synchronizing, and organizing efforts, resources, and schedules to achieve shared goals or prevent conflicts in operations. Improved program implementation could also involve proactive communication and the exchange of information to ensure that different parties are on the same page regarding tasks, timelines, and responsibilities. Reporting period is the specific timeframe covered by this report.

Target

No target rule stated