Resource Library

The Center for States designs products, services, and learning experiences to increase understanding and awareness, and build knowledge and skills. The Center focuses its attention on developing products and resources on several core organizational and practice topics.

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The Center for States provides research assistance and responds to information requests on building capacity in child welfare.

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Showing 1 - 15 of 16 resources
Video

Adoptive Family: DNA Doesn’t Define a Family—Love Does

Frankie is 14 years old and lives with his sister, brothers, and moms. He and his sister were adopted when they were 2 years old and 4 years old, respectively. He loves spending time with his aunts, uncles, and cousins and loves being part of a big family.

Webinar

Applying Safety Science Principles in Child Welfare Recorded Webinar

Learn about a framework for applying safety science to promote a culture of safety in child welfare agencies.

PDF

Collaborating to Collect and Use Data to Inform Quality Contacts

Learn effective strategies to collect, analyze, and use data related to caseworker visits.

Webinar

Considerations for LGBTQ Children and Youth in Foster Care: Exploring Normalcy as It Relates to P.L. 113–183 Recorded Webinar

Learn about normalcy for LGBTQ children and youth in foster care in the context of the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (P.L. 113–183).

PDF

Considerations for LGBTQ Children and Youth in Foster Care: Exploring Normalcy as It Relates to P.L. 113–183

Get informed about creating normalcy for LGBTQ children and youth in foster care and browse relevant examples.

PDF

Decision-Making in Child Welfare for Improved Safety Outcomes

Get the latest research on decision science and safety decision-making practices in child welfare to help improved safety outcomes.

PDF

Defining Quality Contacts

Learn about quality contacts, why they are important, and how an agency can successfully implement them.

PDF

Having the Normalcy Conversation: Youth Engagement

Examine a five-step framework that helps organizations promote youth engagement in normalcy conversations about the youth’s own care.

PDF

Having the Normalcy Conversation: A Guide for Discussing Developmentally Appropriate Services for Children, Youth, and Young Adults in Foster Care

Explore the various aspects of the importance of normalcy for children and youth in care.

Webinar

Implementing Parent Partner Programs and Supporting Reunification: National Foster Care Month Recorded Webinar

Discover how parent partner programs support family reunification by guiding and motivating parents into constructive interactions with the child welfare system and courts.

PDF

Quality Contact Casework Activities Worksheet

Browse casework activities to use before, during, and after a caseworker visit with children, youth, and families.

PDF

Quality Worker-Parent Visits: A Tip Sheet for Supervisors and Managers

Learn how supervisors and program managers can assist child welfare caseworkers in conducting quality visits with parents.

PDF

Supporting Quality Contacts Through Supervisor-Worker Coaching

Explore coaching steps and tips supervisors can use to help workers strengthen skills and meet goals.

PDF

The Child Welfare Worker Safety Guide

Get an overview of the issues related to the physical and emotional safety of child welfare workers.

Video

Young Adult, Formerly in Congregate Care: Treat Me Like a Normal Child

Brandon is a 21-year-old alumnus of the foster care system. He was in the foster care system for about 10 years and serves as a foster care advocate, working in State government for the last 3 years. He feels that normal activities for all youth in foster care should include getting a driver’s license, going on out-of-State and overnight trips, and participating in sports.