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.

Learn the definition and find information about normalcy and the reasonable and prudent parent standard in the PL 113-183.

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.

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

Learn strategies for accurately and safely collecting data on LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults.

Explore additional resources to learn how to accurately and safely collecting data on LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults.

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.

Learn about the practice and systemic changes Hawaii, Indiana, and Westchester County, NY, made in partnership with their youth and young adult partners.

Explore considerations for convening a diverse team of partners, including people with lived expertise, to support equitable change and implementation efforts.

Explore considerations for equitable, inclusive, and data-driven problem exploration.

Explore considerations for collaboratively developing an equitable theory of change.

Explore considerations for selecting, designing, and adapting effective and equitable interventions. 

Explore considerations for assessing readiness as part of an equitable and inclusive change and implementation process.