The California-Child & Family Services Review

SVC has assisted more than twenty counties with the C-CFSR process, many for multiple cycles.

County Self-Assessment (CSA) 

The CSA evaluates the entire spectrum of child welfare and juvenile probation services, from prevention and protection to permanency and aftercare.

System Improvement Plan (SIP) 

The SIP is an operational agreement between the county and CDSS, detailing how outcomes for children, youth, and families will be improved over the next five years.

SIP Annual Progress Reports

The annual SIP progress reports, ensure continuity and seamless progression throughout the C-CFSR cycle. 

“Tehama County worked with SVC in preparation for the 2022-2027 SIP cycle. Tehama County worked with other contractors previously, and the value that SVC brought to our County was competent team members with extensive experience in Children’s Services, and the entire CFSR process. Also, SVC team members did not change, and the individuals working with our team were there throughout the process. Their SVC team is dependable and consistent, and we were satisfied with the outcome and our approved SIP.”  

Steven Dickerson, Program Manager
Tehama County Child Protective Services

SVC collaborates with both Child Welfare and Juvenile Probation agencies, or can focus on one agency as needed, providing tailored support to each county's unique requirements. 

  • SVC facilitates all logistical aspects of the C-CFSR process, ensuring a smooth and efficient review. 

  • With years of experience and a strong working relationship with the California Department of Social Services, SVC has a deep understanding of their practices and expectations, facilitating effective cooperation.

  • SVC has expertise in data collection and analysis from sources like the California Child Welfare Indicators Project (CCWIP), CWS/CMS, SafeMeasures, and the US Census Bureau. SVC also utilizes surveys, Peer Review results, and stakeholder feedback to provide comprehensive insights for the CSA analysis.

  • Engaging with Tribes, courts, staff, youth, and community organizations, SVC adeptly facilitates focus groups and stakeholder meetings, which are integral to the CSA process.

  • SVC has organized and facilitated numerous Peer Reviews for counties, both in-person and virtually.

  • SVC provides technical assistance to counties in selecting and crafting appropriate SIP strategies, informed by findings from the CSA process.

  • SVC has streamlined the report writing process with custom templates, checklists, and meticulous processes, ensuring that no report elements are overlooked. The SVC team includes experts in editing and formatting, delivering consistent and professional reports.

  • SVC supports the implementation of strategies, including developing policies, procedures, surveys, and facilitating necessary meetings with collaborative partners utilizing teaming, coaching, and more.

  • SVC has experience working closely with counties to conduct data deep dives and case reviews so that agencies can determine themes and trends within their practice and/or the families that they serve to improve systems and methods of service delivery, therefore improving outcomes for children and families.

  • All agencies have some form of data collection and tracking system.  However, without accurate and timely data, system improvement is nearly impossible. SVC has been successful at helping agencies identify data discrepancies and determine the root cause so that agencies may have access to the most recent, accurate data. SVC has extensive knowledge specifically of CWS/CMS, SafeMeasures, and the California Child Welfare Indicators Project (CCWIP).

“Your expertise and dedication have been invaluable to us, and we're incredibly grateful for the positive impact you've had on completing our county-self-assessment and annual reports to the state. We particularly appreciate Mitch and Meg's assistance with the last SIP Annual Report and OCAP Report. Your responsiveness, problem-solving skills, and proactive approach were instrumental in completing these required reports.”

Eva Jeronimo, Deputy Director
Monterey County Child Protective Services