This guide is designed to support administrative leaders in states and other jurisdictions in using data to assess and identify ways to improve their service array.

Learn about the range of practices comprising the continuum of youth engagement to youth empowerment.

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.

See statistics on increased risks for LGBTQ youth and learn how child welfare systems can use healthy approaches when working with LGBTQ children and youth.

Discover how to examine and drill down into state data to build understanding of what’s happening in your child welfare system.

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

Learn about various instruments used to measure well-being for program, case planning, and evaluation purposes.

Use this assessment tool to identify strengths and areas for growth to enhance your team’s psychological safety.
 

Explore how data reported in AFCARS about youth who run away from state custody can be used to inform interventions.

Explore additional resources for engaging individuals with lived experience as advisors for groups, committees, boards, and more.

Explore additional resources to learn how to accurately and safely collecting data on LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults.

Learn the importance of effective, ongoing collaboration between child welfare agencies and community-based partners.

Explore opportunities and lessons learned from the implementation of Division X of the Supporting Foster Youth and Families Through the Pandemic Act, P.L. 116–260.

Learn about the practice and systemic changes Hawaii, Indiana, and Westchester County, NY, made in partnership with their youth and young adult partners.

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