Subject to an appropriation, the department shall establish a department-wide Office of Quality to ensure that the department and its contracted service providers achieve high levels of performance. Duties of the office include, but are not limited to:(1) Identifying performance standards and metrics for the department and all contracted service providers, including, but not limited to, law enforcement agencies, managing entities, community-based care lead agencies, and attorney services. Such performance standards and metrics shall be reflected in the strategic plan required under s. 20.19(1). Performance standards and metrics for the child welfare system shall, at a minimum, incorporate measures used in the results-oriented accountability system under s. 409.997. (2) Strengthening the department’s data and analytic capabilities to identify systemic strengths and deficiencies.
(3) Recommending, in consultation with the relevant program office, initiatives to correct programmatic and systemic deficiencies.
(4) Engaging and collaborating with contractors, stakeholders, and other relevant entities to improve quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of department programs and services.
(5) Reporting systemic or persistent failures to meet performance standards and recommending corrective action to the secretary.
