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.

If you are interested in our series and learning experiences, please use our search bar or explore our topics.

Explore our resources below and filter them as you need.

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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.

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.

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

Defining Quality Contacts

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

PDF

Domestic Violence and the Child Welfare Professional: Tips on Engaging Families

Find family engagement strategies for survivors, children, and perpetrators of domestic violence.

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.

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.

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.

Video

Leading With Empathy

Learn to be more intentional about creating opportunities to relate to the staff and families you serve and to infuse more empathy into your agency.

Webinar

Protective Capacities and Protective Factors: Common Ground for Protecting Children and Strengthening Families Recorded Webinar

Explore existing frameworks for protective capacities and protective factors and learn how to use them together for better prevention.

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.

Webinar

State Perspectives on Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standards Recorded Webinar

Discover how the reasonable and prudent parent standard (RPPS) has been implemented in one state to promote normalcy for children and youth in foster care.

PDF

Supporting Quality Contacts Through Supervisor-Worker Coaching

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

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.