Random Moment Sampling Process

Introduction

• Both the divisions of Child and Family Services and the Division of Youth Corrections receive Federal and State funds. A process must be in place to determine what portion of agency work qualifies for Federal funding to help pay for staff salaries, benefits and administrative costs.
• The Random Moment Sample (RMS) process was established for this purpose. Through the RNS, caseworkers and their supervisors participate in a random sample process in which work activites are reported for specific points in time or "moments." When all of the sampled "moments" are compiled for a month, each Division has a statistically valid "snapshot" of how caseworkers and caseworker supervisors in the agency spent their time. this data is then used, in conjunction with client eligibility data, to determine how much Federal funding DCFS and DYC may claim.
• Caseworker and supervisor participation is very important in the RMS process. Complete, accurate and timely reporting is essential.

Sample Selection Process

• Each month, a computer program generates an RNS sample list, drawn from all potential caseworkers and supervisors (from human resource data) and all potential moments in a month (in ten-minute increments).
• The program randomly pairs a caseworker or supervisor with a given moment during the month. A single worker or specific "moment" may be selected from the monthly sample, multiple times.
• For DCFS, at least 700 RMS contacts have to be selected each month, with at least 2000 valid contacts quarterly.
• For DYC, at least 2000 valid contacts must be made within a year.

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