Restructured CHILD-STAT model emphasizes weekly, rigorous review and deep analysis of critical performance data; focus on accountability at all levels
Today, the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Commissioner David Hansell led the first session of the re-launched CHILD-STAT model at ACS’ headquarters in Lower Manhattan.
Upon being appointed in February, Commissioner Hansell announced his reform vision for ACS, which included an in-depth review of ACS's protective functions and identification of opportunities for closer collaboration with the NYPD, including a deep review of CHILD-STAT to assess its effectiveness. At CHILD-STAT’s re-launch, Commissioner Hansell was joined by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Dr. Herminia Palacio and NYPD.
“The CHILD-STAT model is vital to improving the functioning of ACS, and fine-tuning our policies and practices. As we re-launch CHILD-STAT, we will continue to modify and improve it as needed to ensure accountability and high-performance throughout our system,” said ACS Commissioner David Hansell. “We will be rigorous and thorough in using data to improve our performance, with the goal of substantive reform.”
“I commend Commissioner Hansell and ACS for launching this enhanced CHILD-STAT model, a critical management tool to support the agency’s mission of protecting New York’s children,” said Dr. Herminia Palacio, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. “I thank Chief Boyce for lending his expertise to this effort and look forward to ACS’s continued collaboration with NYPD as we work to keep children and families safe.”
CHILD-STAT, modeled after the NYPD’s COMP-STAT, is an important tool in strengthening the agency’s focus on performance accountability around child protection, and building a more unified culture of excellence across the agency. Chief Boyce met with Commissioner Hansell in February, and was subsequently appointed to advise CHILD-STAT, bringing with him vast operational experience on the ‘STAT’ model. Similarly, Commissioner Hansell has built a reputation as a proven manager with a data-driven focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable populations on the national, state and local levels.
Data presented during the CHILD-STAT meetings focuses on decreasing repeat maltreatment, with a specific focus on the highest-risk ACS families. Cases presented are randomly selected from a pool of high-risk active cases.
The newly restructured ACS CHILD-STAT launched today features the following major components:
· An emphasis on weekly, rigorous review of randomly selected high risk cases, including ongoing investigations, and a deep analysis of critical performance data;
· Elevation of CHILD-STAT to include regular participation of executive leadership—Commissioner and senior ACS staff to demonstrate the priority placed on the process;
· A focus on accountability at all levels of the agency;
· Continuity from session to session to ensure that change results from each meeting; and
· Building a more unified culture of excellence in practice that reaches across the five boroughs;
The ACS Commissioner, First Deputy Commissioner, additional Deputy Commissioners, and the Senior Advisor for investigations will serve as panel members, posing questions for presenters.
CHILD-STAT meetings will broadcast to Borough Offices via closed-circuit video for Borough Commissioners and frontline staff to hear from their peers and facilitate a discussion regarding each meeting.
All members of the Commissioner’s Executive Cabinet – both program and administrative – are expected to attend in person. At the conclusion of each ChildStat meeting, a summary of derived actions will be announced.
