Peer Consultation

Target Audience
The Peer Consultation model has been designed to support and enhance networking among State child welfare staff, administrators, supervisors, and program managers. Both technical and program personnel are encouraged to request Peer Consultation.

Background
Previously Peer Consultation was available to States through the Division of State Systems, formerly, the Office of State Systems (OSS). The NRC-CWDT in conjunction with a group of State representatives seeks to continue a peer-to-peer network and information exchange process for State child welfare professionals working with data and information technology.

Peer Consultation is a process where child welfare professionals from various States are able to directly share their unique ideas on policy evaluation, resources, problem avoidance, and best practice through focused on-site technical assistance with other States. The goal of Peer Consultation is to enhance the capacity for the use of technology and child welfare data in policy, practice, and management decision-making. Consultants are considered peer consultants as opposed to paid consultants. Federal participation may be requested by the States, however, the focus of peer consultation is State-to-State dialogue. Through practical discussions on areas such as Federal reporting, case practice, systems, and data use topics, Peer Consultation will provide an opportunity for States to maximize sound program and system practice. According to States previously involved with Peer Consultation, peer-to-peer exchanges together with on-site reviews of program documentation are a valuable experience. Additionally, it is not only a valuable experience for the State receiving the consultation, it has had a positive impact on the consultants through validation and new insight on their own projects.

States may submit requests for technical assistance through this Web site. The role of NRC-CWDT is to facilitate the logistical considerations for the State and the State Peer Consultant(s). Based on the request and State input, a group of State advisors and the NRC-CWDT will match the Peer Consultant(s) available who will provide expertise that reflect issues in the request of the State seeking assistance. The Peer Consultation visit can range from a facilitated conference call to a two-day on-site meeting. The NRC-CWDT will cover the travel and lodging costs for on-site consultation. The requesting State will be responsible for on-site logistics. If technical assistance outside the scope of this process is necessary, a referral to the appropriate resource may be made.

Peer Consultation Process

Peer Request

1. State identifies need.
   
2. State submits a request no longer than two pages based on the questions listed on the NRC-CWDT Peer Consultation Request Application. The State may be asked to provide additional information regarding the request for technical assistance.
   
3. Call the toll-free number (877) 672-4829 or (202) 662-4285 if additional assistance is needed with developing a request.

Peer Match Process

1. The match process is facilitated by the NRC-CWDT in conjunction with State advisors. State advisors and NRC-CWDT review the request and decide on the appropriateness of the request, with input and approval of the ACF staff (Central and Regional Office). If the request does not match one of the Peer Consultation options, the NRC-CWDT can provide a referral to an appropriate resource.
   
2. With State input a committee of NRC-CWDT staff and State advisors decide on the appropriate Peer Consultant(s).
   
3. A member of the NRC-CWDT staff contacts the State and works with the State liaison to coordinate the Peer Consultation visit.
   
4. After the request has been accepted, to the extent possible, the State should provide information on business background, functional areas, brief narrative on project status, and other relevant State and project background information.
   
5. Once the request has been approved, an agenda will be provided to the ACF Regional Office in advance of the Peer Consultation visit.

Meeting Arrangements

1. The NRC-CWDT staff member arranges a conference call between the facilitator, State liaison, and the
   Peer Consultant(s). During that time the facilitator guides the State liaison on the agenda of the meeting and provides feedback on the appropriate State persons to attend the meeting. The NRC-CWDT produces follow-up documentation after the conference call.
   
2. The NRC-CWDT prepares a draft agenda for the meeting. The State and the Peer Consultant(s) will arrange the final agenda before the meeting.
   
3. The NRC-CWDT sends materials to the Peer Consultant(s) and to the State liaison so that each will be familiar with the pertinent background.
   
4. If the nature of the Peer Consultation changes before the actual visit, the NRC-CWDT will inform the Peer Consultant(s) of the change.

Peer Consultation Meeting and Follow-up Process

1. The duration of the Peer Consultation can range from a facilitated conference call to a two-day meeting, depending on the needs of the State.
   
2. After the meeting, the facilitator is responsible for writing a summary of the meeting, which the State liaison and Peer Consultant(s) review before the report is made available.
   
3. The State liaison distributes the Peer Consultation summary to appropriate staff.

Responsibilities
The State liaison, the NRC-CWDT, the facilitator, and the Peer Consultant(s) each have responsibilities to ensure smooth delivery of the Peer Consultation visit and meeting follow-up. The responsibilities are as follows:

Responsibilities of the NRC-CWDT

1. Facilitate the match between the Peer Consultant(s) and the State.
   
2. Provide follow-up contact with the State Liaison to ascertain progress made and/or problems that have arisen since the Peer Consultation meeting. In addition, NRC-CWDT may request feedback on the Peer Consultation process from the State.

Responsibilities of the State

1. Arrange for appropriate persons to attend the Peer Consultation meeting.
   
2. Provide the logistical oversight for the meeting. Arrange for the meeting space.
   
3. Provide a recorder for the meeting to document the technical assistance provided by the Peer Consultant(s). The facilitator and the State will use the recordings of the meeting to create a final report.
   
4. Determine if the final report should be made available to individuals other than the State staff and Peer Consultant(s).

Responsibilities of the Peer Consultants

1. Continue to develop both technical and programmatic skills in successfully addressing issues related to the use of technology and child welfare data in policy, practice, and management.
   
2. Review the summary report prepared by the facilitator before it is given to the State Liaison.

Peer Consultation Request Application (Online Form) (Printer-friendly)
Peer Consultant Program Application (Online Form) (Printer-friendly)
Technical Assistance Examples