ABSTRACT
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in Child Welfare Agencies In this chapter, we examine continuous quality improvement (CQI) in the context of public child welfare agencies. The theoretical framework and conceptual model for CQI is well developed, but there is little research on its application in the field of child welfare. To fill that gap, we first define the CQI theoretical framework and conceptual model, both generally and as the federal government has applied it to child welfare agencies. Second, we examine the state of CQI in public child welfare agencies as of 2012. Third, we use the Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) as a case study in how to move from a traditional quality assurance (QA) system to CQI. Finally, we identify lessons learned and put forward recommendations that other child welfare agencies can use in making the transition.
