Learn a research-informed framework for agencies to explore implementation of CQI systems across seven areas, including leadership support and modeling, staff and stakeholder engagement, communication, administrative structure, use of quality data, case record review process, and application of CQI findings.

Examine current research and how best to build organizational capacity in five areas, and learn about possible challenges and solutions.

This publication looks at buzzwords in the context of words or phrases commonly used in child welfare reporting and documentation that can be subjective or carry negative connotations, and offers strategies to minimize their negative impact.

Buzzwords: Moving to Behavioral Descriptors doodle video is a short, animated video that follows a child involved in a child welfare investigation. The video describes what buzzwords are and illustrates the impact they can have on children and families. It also demonstrates how to recognize buzzwords and offers strategies for transforming buzzwords into objective, behavior-based descriptors.

Desiree is an alumna of the foster care system. She lived with the same foster care family for 14 years. She entered foster care with three of her siblings, and wants to use her experiences growing up in foster care to make a difference for those still in the system.

Learn how to build capacity in each of four component areas to promote a culture and climate that encourages youth engagement at all levels of an organization.

Learn to facilitate a normalcy conversation and to promote normal and developmentally appropriate experiences for youth in foster care.

Explore the four thematic pillars necessary for organizational capacity that supports engagement with young people currently and formerly in foster care.

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

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

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

See how workforce satisfaction and retention are improved by emphasizing the positive differences that are made in the lives of children and families.

Learn the characteristics and results that describe the right people to engage youth and get guidance for recruiting, hiring, and retaining these employees.

Learn about adolescent brain development, trauma-responsive care, and the importance of normalcy.

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