The journeys of children, youth, and families in child welfare are seldom a straight line. Typically, there are highs and lows and winding paths in between

Adapt strategies from this publication to improve specific areas of culture and climate to support partnering with families after conducting an assessment.

Adapt proven strategies from this publication to improve specific areas of culture and that support collaborative development of an effective service array.

Browse the themes and key takeaways from the How We Partner With the Community to Improve Service Options podcast series.

Get ideas for working with community foundations, endowments, and charitable trusts to improve outcomes for children and youth.

Learn how leveraging NGO connections in the community can help child welfare systems be more flexible and adaptable in achieving program goals.

Get guidance, tips, and strategies for assessing agency culture and climate. 

See strategies and examples for partnering with faith-based communities and leaders on behalf of children and youth in foster care waiting to be adopted.

Read about the services available under two federal programs and how to use them to improve outcomes for pregnant or parenting youth in out-of-home care.

Explore tips and strategies to effectively engage and sustain the involvement of families and youth at the agency level. 

Learn how implementation teams can assess readiness for change and implementation and support related planning.

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.

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

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