Problem Exploration Video Series - Center for States - Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative Skip to main content

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Capacity Building

CENTER FOR STATES

Problem Exploration Video Series

The Problem Exploration webinars showcase insights and examples of using data to dig deeper into the challenges faced by child welfare agencies. The integrated discussion guide can serve as the foundation for team conversation about the problem exploration process and can help the team brainstorm next steps.

Problem Exploration Archived Webinars

The Problem Exploration webinars showcase insights and examples of using data to dig deeper into the challenges faced by child welfare agencies. The integrated discussion guide can serve as the foundation for team conversation about the problem exploration process and can help the team brainstorm next steps.

Problem Exploration Part 1 - Looks Can Be Deceiving: Using Data to Explore Agency Performance

Identifies the first three steps in the problem exploration process and examines the importance of data, key components of a data plan, and common mistakes to avoid in identifying problems in child welfare. 

Discussion Guide

Problem Exploration Part 2: Using Data to Avoid Common Missteps When Asking, "Why?"

Explores the second task of creating a data plan to investigate the problem further. Creating a well-thought-out data plan helps the team plan for exploring the identified problem and move toward identifying a possible root cause or causes.

Discussion Guide

Problem Exploration Videos

The Problem Exploration videos can help you better understand the main functions of problem exploration. As you watch, record your ideas and questions in the related workbook to help you apply what you are learning to your own practice.

Problem Exploration Workbook

Video 1: Identify a Problem

Presents the first task of identifying a problem and provides examples of how to apply strategies. Needs and opportunities for improvement generally emerge through an analysis of source of data or information.

Video 2: Create a Data Plan to Explore the Problem

Explores the second task of creating a data plan to investigate the problem further. Creating a well-thought-out data plan helps the team plan for exploring the identified problem and move toward identifying a possible root cause or causes.

Video 3: Collect and Analyze Data

Presents the third task of collecting and analyzing data identified in the data plan to help answer research questions. Examining data helps teams tell a more complete story and understand the scope and impact the problem is having on the community.

Video 4: Identify Possible Contributing Factors and Root Causes

Introduces the fourth task of identifying possible contributing factors and root causes using different methods. A root cause analysis is a structured approach to understand why a problem occurs using data. Understanding why a problem or unmet need exists helps teams better identify the potential solutions to it.

Video 5: Explore and Validate Possible Root Causes

Explores the fifth task of exploring possible root causes and using data to validate them. Taking time to revisit data, helps teams align on true root cause(s) before moving towards possible solutions.

Video 6: Isolate the Root Causes to Address

Presents the sixth and final task, isolating the root cause or causes to address. By isolating, or selecting, the root cause or causes to address as part of a change initiative, teams are able to consider feasible solutions to address the problem.