Problem Exploration

Through deeper problem exploration, agencies can gain a clear understanding of what their challenges are and why they are occurring. The resources below discuss how to use data to fully examine a problem and uncover its root causes, and present easy-to-use techniques, such as the "5 Whys" approach and Fishbone Diagrams, to help agencies engage in problem exploration in a systematic way.

Child welfare agency leaders, managers, change and implementation teams, and continuous quality improvement teams can select the level of information that best meets their needs to increase foundational knowledge. They can then apply what they have learned about problem exploration to practice.

Access the Problem Exploration Resources

Need Detailed Information?

Dive into the Problem Exploration brief to build an understanding of the key concepts and terms related to problem exploration and root cause analysis, and access step-by-step guidance and suggested activities.

Interested in a High-Level Overview?

Read Change and Implementation at a Glance: Problem Exploration to explore key problem exploration tasks and discover how to get the most out of problem exploration through an intentional focus on racial equity and integration of lived expertise.

Eager to Deliver More Inclusive and Equitable Services?

Explore Considerations for Advancing Racial Equity Through Problem Exploration for foundational information, stepwise suggestions, and worksheets to dig deeply into how structural racism contributes to the problem at hand.

Want to Put Your Knowledge Into Practice?

Watch the Problem Exploration videos to get a snapshot of key activities involved in problem exploration. Use the integrated Problem Exploration video workbook to record your questions and ideas for changing practice, which you can then use to facilitate the problem exploration process at your agency.

Access the Problem Exploration archived webinars to gain additional information about lessons learned and real-life examples of problem exploration. Use the related Problem Exploration discussion and activity guide to support knowledge and skill development for individuals and teams and facilitate team discussion and targeted action planning.