The Outcome Enhancement Review (OER) process, designed to mirror that of the federal Child and Family Service Review (CFSR) process, is the primary measurement method for providing qualitative data to evaluate:

1. Implementation of the Illinois CFSR Program Improvement Plan (PIP)
2. Illinois' ongoing performance on federal outcomes measures
3. Regional casework practice improvement efforts

FCURP, in conjunction with key DCFS Quality Assurance staff, manages the OER process by:

1. Leading OER trainings and onsite reviews
2. Conducting sampling and tool management
3. Providing database assistance and quality control for data entry
4. Conducting data analysis and reporting at the regional and state levels

The first OER was conducted in January 2005, immediately following the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) approval of Illinois' CFSR PIP. During the 2-year PIP period, a strict schedule of OERs was maintained. A random sample of 50 intact and placement cases, from both DCFS and POS agencies from one Cook and one downstate region, were reviewed each quarter. Review results were then entered into a statewide database.

While December 2006 marked the end of Illinois' 2-year CFSR PIP period, it also marked the beginning of the OER process as an ongoing statewide public-private continuous quality improvement activity in Illinois. OER data is the primary data source supporting Illinois' integrated CQI efforts.