The Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) is a statewide approach to strengthening foster care in Florida, and in numerous other jurisdictions. Launched in Florida in 2008, QPI focuses on implementing policies and practices that support excellent parenting for all children in the child welfare system. One important policy related to ensuring excellent parenting is Florida’s partnership plan, which is being implemented across the state as part of regular case practice. The partnership plan exists in administrative policy5 and key components are reflected in Florida statute. The partnership plan is also embedded in pre-service foster parent training (MAPP and Pride).
The partnership plan is a signed statement that articulates a shared understanding between caregivers and agency staff of the goals and responsibilities they each have to ensure excellent parenting for each child in foster care. The partnership plan is a clear framework to guide a strong working partnership between caregivers and agency staff on behalf of the child’s well-being. Among other things, the partnership plan emphasizes the importance of information sharing and inclusion of foster parents in team meetings and court hearings.
Since its inception, the partnership plan has evolved in both practice and policy to reflect input from stakeholders. The initial design of the framework began in 2011 with the convening of a statewide workgroup that included foster parents and community-based care providers as well as casework and licensing staff from the Department of Children and Families. Developed collaboratively, the partnership plan and the accompanying assessment instruments serve as a guide to licensing, case management, and support of foster families.
Use of the partnership plan is a work in progress. QPI representatives indicate that implementation of the partnership plan is a high priority, particularly with regard to incorporating it into caseworkers’ training and notifying court staff about the plan. QPI staff point out that the partnership plan is a shared responsibility; therefore, it is important to ensure it is implemented in both foster parent and caseworker training, which ideally should be joint training.
Other states that have a partnership plan include Nevada and California.