Use this tool with your prevention planning team to prepare for and tackle the adaptive challenges that many states face as they develop and implement prevention plans. 

Presents the first task of identifying a problem and provides examples of how to apply strategies. Needs and opportunities for improvement generally emerge through an analysis of source of data or information.

Explores the second task of creating a data plan to investigate the problem further. Creating a well-thought-out data plan helps the team plan for exploring the identified problem and move toward identifying a possible root cause or causes.

Presents the third task of collecting and analyzing data identified in the data plan to help answer research questions. Examining data helps teams tell a more complete story and understand the scope and impact the problem is having on the community.

Introduces the fourth task of identifying possible contributing factors and root causes using different methods. A root cause analysis is a structured approach to understand why a problem occurs using data. Understanding why a problem or unmet need exists helps teams better identify the potential solutions to it.

Explores the fifth task of exploring possible root causes and using data to validate them. Taking time to revisit data, helps teams align on true root cause(s) before moving towards possible solutions.

Presents the sixth and final task, isolating the root cause or causes to address. By isolating, or selecting, the root cause or causes to address as part of a change initiative, teams are able to consider feasible solutions to address the problem.

Use this crosswalk to start thinking concretely about prevention planning as a change and implementation process. 

Understand the CFSR statewide data indicators, their use in program improvement efforts, and performance calculation tools.

Better understand your state’s performance on statewide data indicators related to the safety and permanency of children served by the child welfare system. 

Learn to use the CFSR Round 4 SPSS syntax to calculate observed performance for a state on all or selected statewide data indicators.

Learn about the definition and calculation of the CFSR statewide data indicator maltreatment in foster care.

Explores the task of developing a plan to implement the process and methods outlined in the evaluation plan, gather the information and data needed, and determine the effect of the process or program being evaluated.

Provides an overview of essential functions, or tasks, to monitor and evaluate the implementation and impact of a program or other intervention and apply findings over the course of the change and implementation process.

Explores the tasks of identifying fidelity measures from other sources or developing new ones, developing the tools and protocols, and then using data to make improvements.