Impact of Flexible Funds on Placement and Permanency Outcomes for Children in Child Welfare

Abstract

This article presents findings from the evaluation of Oregon's Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration Project. The 5-year waiver was approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and initiated in 1997. Results showed that children from waiver branches were 3 times more likely to remain with their families 1 year after service target date than children from nonwaiver branches. In contrast, no significant association was found between access to flexible funds and likelihood of children returning home or establishing permanent placement with relatives.