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.

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

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.

See statistics on increased risks for LGBTQ youth and learn how child welfare systems can use healthy approaches when working with LGBTQ children and youth.

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

Learn about a framework for applying safety science to promote a culture of safety in child welfare agencies.

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

Use this assessment tool to identify strengths and areas for growth to enhance your team’s psychological safety.
 

Explore how data reported in AFCARS about youth who run away from state custody can be used to inform interventions.

Explore additional resources for engaging individuals with lived experience as advisors for groups, committees, boards, and more.

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

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

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

Explore how frontline child welfare professionals can use data and evidence in their everyday practice. 

Explore how child welfare leaders, managers, and supervisors can motivate their staff to use data and evidence in their everyday practice.