The Kentucky Foster Care Program is crucial for ensuring the well-being of children in the state’s care. To effectively manage and improve this system, the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) relies on consistent and reliable data. This data, summarized in Foster Care Facts, serves as a vital resource for DCBS staff, external partners, and anyone seeking to understand the scope and nature of foster care in Kentucky.
Foster Care Facts was established to standardize data reporting within DCBS. When inquiries arise about the number of children in Out-Of-Home Care (OOHC), this document provides the definitive figures, specifically the total number of children in OOHC with active placements. This ensures consistency and accuracy in all official reports, with data verifiable through standard TWIST reports.
The data within Foster Care Facts originates from the TWS W058 dataset in TWIST. This comprehensive dataset encompasses all children under DCBS custody, including detailed information on their placements, demographics, and associated costs. The Foster Care Facts sheet is updated monthly, typically within the first full week of each month, providing the official statistics for the preceding month.
Placement Definitions within the Kentucky Foster Care System
Within the Kentucky Foster Care Program, placement categories are carefully defined. “Placed in Relative or Fictive Kin Placement” specifically refers to children in DCBS custody who are living with relatives or fictive kin caregivers who are not licensed foster homes.
It’s important to note that several other placement categories may include licensed relative and fictive kin foster homes. These categories are: Placed in PCP Foster Homes, Total Number Placed in DCBS Foster Homes all Types, Placed in DCBS Child Specific Foster Homes, Placed in DCBS Basic and Advanced Foster Homes, Placed in DCBS Care Plus or Medically Complex Homes, and Placed in DCBS Adoptive Homes. These categories reflect the diverse needs of children in care and the range of licensed homes available within the Kentucky foster care system.
Understanding Demographics: Children Identified as African American
In data collection for the Kentucky Foster Care Program, the category “Children designated as African American” is inclusive. This category includes children and youth who identify solely as African American, as well as those who identify as bi-racial or multi-racial. This inclusive definition ensures a comprehensive understanding of the racial demographics within the Kentucky foster care system.
