This report includes findings from a pilot project with three main objectives: (1) to develop standardized measures for the HOT test (child and adult interview), (2) to test of the reliability/validity of the newly developed measures, (3) to pilot the HOT test using standardized actors and simulation. The SSW was granted two payback grants from the Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program (CWPEP) for the purpose of enhancing the simulated interview component of HOT test (the final test of new child welfare workers) and increasing the objectivity of the grading process.Payback Grants further the mission of CWPEP in enhancing and supporting Oklahoma’s public child welfare workforce. Funding for Payback Grants comes from monies collected from former CWPEP students who do not honor their employment obligation to DHS and must repay the funds that were expended on their behalf. The federal title IV-E portion of the repayment fund is returned to DHS and the state share is placed in the CWPEP Payback Fund at OU. Payback Grants must be approved by the CWPEP participating universities, by OU Sponsored Programs and by DHS Child Welfare Services.N
