Resource Library

The Center for States designs products, services, and learning experiences to increase understanding and awareness, and build knowledge and skills. The Center focuses its attention on developing products and resources on several core organizational and practice topics.

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The Center for States provides research assistance and responds to information requests on building capacity in child welfare.

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Learn how we can help your agency build the capacity to thrive.

Email: capacityinfo@icfi.com 
Phone: 1.844.222.0272

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Showing 1 - 15 of 15 resources
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A Tool for Youth Engagement and Empowerment

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

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Building on the Lessons Learned From Division X Implementation

Explore opportunities and lessons learned from the implementation of Division X of the Supporting Foster Youth and Families Through the Pandemic Act, P.L. 116–260.

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Buzzwords: Moving to Behavioral Descriptors Tip Sheet

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.

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Coaching in Child Welfare

Understand the role of coaching in supporting workers, including coaching functions, effectiveness, models, and strategies.

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Collaborating to Collect and Use Data to Inform Quality Contacts

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

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Defining Quality Contacts

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

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Discussion Guide for Buzzwords

This tool is a role-playing activity, designed to help child welfare workers and supervisors become more familiar with the process of recognizing and translating buzzwords into descriptive language.

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John H. Chafee Foster Care for Successful Transition to Adulthood Program Resource List

Use the resources in this list to support young people’s transitional needs and help them develop the skills needed for independent living after exiting foster care.

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Providing Direct Financial Assistance to Youth and Young Adults

Read this resource to learn about direct financial assistance and emergency financial assistance available to young people.

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Quality Contact Casework Activities Worksheet

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

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Quality Worker-Parent Visits: A Tip Sheet for Supervisors and Managers

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

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Rethinking Service Array for Young People Transitioning From Child Welfare

Explore strategies for redesigning the child welfare service array to meet the needs of youth and young adults currently and formerly in foster care.

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Supporting Quality Contacts Through Supervisor-Worker Coaching

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

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Tip Sheet on Responding to Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Needs

Explore tips to help promote youth mental health and wellness services, jurisdictional highlights, and links to relevant resources and tools.

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Vital Documents and Credit Reports Tip Sheet

Ensure that youth and young adults exiting foster care can obtain their vital documents before transitioning from foster care.