Brief Overview of Caseload Analysis

The Ohio Caseload Analysis (CLA) Initiative initiated the development of this guide as part of the Concurrent Planning model CLA was developing in 2004-2005.  CLA which began in Ohio in May 1998, consist today of the following counties, Athens , Coshocton, Guernsey , Logan and Tuscarawas.   With major support from the Ohio Department of Jobs Family Services, CLA set out to develop an initiative that would (1) develop and document a best-practice approach for child protection; (2) implement this approach across a range of counties; (3) prove the success of the initiative by measuring its effectiveness; (4) continuously improve its approach; and (5) develop and document a framework and approach for implementation that other counties and states could follow. 

Ohio Caseload Analysis is defined as:  a model that has been tested and refined by the counties since 1998.  It represents a comprehensive methodology to drive safety and permanence in child protection services and to support consistent, systematic delivery of family-centered, strength-based services.  It includes innovative practice technologies which encompass family assessment and service planning, while striving for a balance between workload and available hours.  It emphasizes Organization Development to build readiness and maintain a strong foundation – with an emphasis on sound fiscal management, data-driven decision making, collaboration with community resources and continuous improvement in both practice and outcomes.

The CLA Counties felt strongly that CLA should be a model that would be developed and implemented by directors and supervisors.  The model has been created to allow an agency to change practice from the top-down with an emphasis on process management and continuous improvement.  By taking this approach, CLA allows agency leaders to take an overall inventory on practice; how the agency serves its “customers” at all levels, and assess how family-centered and strength-based the agency is practicing.  Then by implementing the CLA model, tools and measures, the agency could enhance management skills to positively impact the day-to-day practice of its workers and the services children and families receive.