This publication looks at buzzwords in the context of words or phrases commonly used in child welfare reporting and documentation that can be subjective or carry negative connotations, and offers strategies to minimize their negative impact.

Buzzwords: Moving to Behavioral Descriptors doodle video is a short, animated video that follows a child involved in a child welfare investigation. The video describes what buzzwords are and illustrates the impact they can have on children and families. It also demonstrates how to recognize buzzwords and offers strategies for transforming buzzwords into objective, behavior-based descriptors.

Watch as Amnoni relates her experience in the foster car system, including her struggles and quest for stability and normalcy.

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.

Hear Raven's foster care story, the challenges of being separated from her brother, and the value of support.

Hear from a family about the challenges of dealing with an autism diagnosis and other issues while navigating the child welfare system.

Learn how supervisors and program managers can assist child welfare caseworkers in conducting quality visits with parents.

Learn to facilitate a normalcy conversation and to promote normal and developmentally appropriate experiences for youth in foster care.

Learn effective strategies to collect, analyze, and use data related to caseworker visits.

Browse casework activities to use before, during, and after a caseworker visit with children, youth, and families.

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

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

Hear how Cortez, and adoptee, overcame his struggles to build an identity in a changing environment.

Learn how Daryle reconnected with this Tribe after being separated from his cultural background in foster care.

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.