DHS’s responsibilities for permanency services and activities are to:
- Collaborate with all network participants to remove systemic barriers that impede the timely permanency of waiting children;
- Ensure safety and prompt permanency for children ;
- Develop and monitor contract objectives, priorities and terms of the prime contract for full compliance;
- Fund and support approved contract costs;
- Participate in the development of the terms of contracts with affiliates;
- Maintain and support the SWAN Advisory Committee;
- Prepare, issue and keep current policies and procedures that will direct the operation of the network;
- Facilitate regular communication and collaboration among network participants;
- Monitor compliance with permanency policies and procedures;
- Monitor operations to assess the accomplishment of program goals;
- Operate PAE, including the website;
- Monitor delivery of competency-based training for permanency services;
- Coordinate and negotiate a public education and media campaign that improves the permanency opportunities of children in county agency custody;
- Maintain a data system on the status of child population served;
- Compile and disseminate data on SWAN program activities to network participants; and
- Report program activity to the Governor’s Office and legislative leadership.