Use this discussion guide with the CWVE 2022 videos to view a description of each topic, access individual reflection questions to facilitate personal, on-demand learning, and explore conversation starters and team activities with child welfare staff and collaborative partners.   

Use this discussion guide with CWVE 2023 videos to explore topics on workforce recruitment and retention, as well as access individual reflection exercises, discussion prompts, and team activities.

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

Watch this video to learn how community-based partnerships strengthen families and see what jurisdictions are doing to build lines of collaboration and trust.

Hear about the youth-led projects of the Division X Technical Assistance project in fiscal year 2022.

Hear how Division X Technical Assistance Targeted Assistance Projects (TAPs) helped child welfare agencies enhance policies and practices for youth and young adults.

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

Explore additional resources aimed at the needs of expecting and parenting teens in child welfare.

Explore additional resources to learn about the challenges of engaging difficult-to-reach populations of youth and young adults.

The manual combines research and guidance on best practices in family empowerment with the evolving field of implementation science. The manual also reinforces and expands on concepts introduced in the Center for States’ Family Empowerment and Leadership Academy (FELA).

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

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.

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

Discover how parent partner programs support family reunification by guiding and motivating parents into constructive interactions with the child welfare system and courts.

Explore innovative programs and strategies that child welfare professionals can use to support reunification and emphasize caregiver and parent voice.