calculating out of home placement time

["Scottye J. Cash" <scash@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello.
I am in the process of working with a state agency (hi Coleman)- in
determining how state's or those who do evaluations with states calculate
length of time in out of home placements .  What is considered a placement?
Just placements that last over 30 days, emergency shelter placements,
respite care placements?
What are methods that others have used in calculating this.  I have seen and
read the way in which Wulczyn and colleagues have calculated it, I am just
curious as to how others approach this problem.  Are there any "industry"
standards that are set in capturing this-- has anyone developed methods for
calculating any of the outcomes as set for in the ASFA legislation?  These
numbers are critical, yet the lack of information in this area makes it
difficult if not impossible to compare data within states, and between
states.
Thanks in advance for any assistance or information that is provided in
regards to this discussion.

Scottye Cash