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.

Explore the supportive relationship between a youth and her attorney.

Reveals how advocating for youth makes a difference in system change and in the advocates’ own lives. The Director of Policy and Advocacy at NMCAN and a youth advocate talk about their shared experience in testifying as expert witnesses for state legislative committees and how it created a strong bond between them.

Explore information and strategies for advancing racial equity through problem exploration.

Highlights the advocacy work of state and regional youth leadership councils. Two paid regional and state youth specialists and the Texas Director for Transitional Living Services describe how including youth voice by providing them a “seat at the table” at the state capital enhances the child welfare system. All three discuss the rewards and personal impact of their work.

Tells the story of the relationship, initially forged over a shared meal, between a youth and her CASA worker. The CASA worker’s advocacy for concrete supports to meet the youth’s needs helped grow the trust in their relationship.

Learn about the Capacity Building Center for States’ diversity, racial equity, and inclusion terms and definitions and the importance of shared language to advance equity. 

Explore the Capacity Building Center for States’ most up-to-date diversity, racial equity, and inclusion terms and definitions. 

Get practical information about supporting coordinated strategic and long-term planning.

Explore additional resources to learn how child welfare organizations can create equity in the workforce. 

Learn how child welfare organizations can create equity in the workforce. 

See how staff can boost their knowledge and skills for engaging families, community providers, and others.

Tells the story of the relationship between a youth in foster care and a BraveLife peer navigator. Both talk about the personal sharing and mutual trust that have forged a connection that will last a lifetime.

Find out where evidence-based programs and services are being implemented to prevent children from entering foster care.

Use this discussion guide with the “Reflecting on Racial Equity and Prevention-Focused Systems” video to facilitate team discussions about your agency’s current practice and opportunities to take action.