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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Library and Information Services

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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

Visit the Center for States' Contact Us webpage for more information.

Showing 1 - 15 of 34 resources
PDF

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. 

PDF

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.

Video

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.

PDF

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

Video

This video introduces and conveys the impact of simulation training.

PDF

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.

PDF

Get the basics on general practice for agency interventions, including screening, documenting descriptions of abuse and protective efforts, and evaluating risk.

PDF

Learn how domestic violence and child maltreatment affect families and read about the risks, impacts, protective efforts, and other related topics.

PDF

Learn how domestic violence documentation can help hold perpetrators accountable and promote survivor safety and well-being.

PDF

Discover a comprehensive range of information about domestic violence decision-making.

PDF

Find family engagement strategies for survivors, children, and perpetrators of domestic violence.

PDF

Examine foundational information and suggestions for effective casework and supporting examples for families experiencing domestic violence.

PDF

See strategies and examples for partnering with faith-based communities and leaders on behalf of children and youth in foster care waiting to be adopted.

PDF

Learn how leveraging NGO connections in the community can help child welfare systems be more flexible and adaptable in achieving program goals.

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Get ideas for working with community foundations, endowments, and charitable trusts to improve outcomes for children and youth.