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.

Library and Information Services

Woman in front of a computer

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

Request Library Services

Connect With Us

Learn how we can help your agency build the capacity to thrive.

Email: capacityinfo@icfi.com 
Phone: 1.844.222.0272

Visit the Center for States' Contact Us webpage for more information.

Showing 1 - 15 of 36 resources
PDF

A Data-Driven Approach to Service Array Guide

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.

PDF

A Tool for Youth Engagement and Empowerment

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

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

Application Example for Using the State Data Profile and Context Data

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

Webinar

Assessing and Measuring Well-Being Recorded Webinar

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

PDF

Building and Sustaining Collaborative Community Relationships

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

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

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

Foster and Adoptive Parent Licensing, Recruitment, and Retention: Systemic Factor Data Planning Worksheet

Identify data sources to explore your state’s system of foster and adoptive parent licensing, recruitment, and retention.

PDF

Guide for Using the State Data Profile and Context Data

Explore and discuss state performance on CFSR statewide data indicators.

PDF

Helping LGBTQ Families Navigate the Child Welfare System

Learn how to create an agency organizational culture that is inclusive and knowledgeable about the unique needs of LGBTQ children, youth, and families.

Webinar

Helping LGBTQ Families Navigate the Child Welfare System Recorded Webinar

Learn about the challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) families involved with the child welfare system and ways to help them.

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

Instructions and Tips for Running the CFSR Round 4 Statewide Data Indicators Syntax

Learn to use the CFSR Round 4 SPSS syntax to calculate observed performance for a state on all or selected statewide data indicators.

Video

It's All Relative: Supporting Kinship Connections

Watch this recorded webinar to learn how other jurisdictions encourage kinship care placements and then discuss kinship support with your team.