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.

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 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. 

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

Learn the importance of effective, ongoing collaboration between child welfare agencies and community-based partners.

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.

Explore additional resources and learn strategies for moving forward with prioritizing lived expertise in child welfare.

Explore additional resources aimed at the needs of expecting and parenting teens in child welfare.

Explore additional resources to learn how incorporating voices of lived experience can help improve child welfare services. 

Defines prepermanancy services for prospective adoptive and guardianship families and raises awareness about the need for more prepermanency services supports alongside postpermanency supports.

Explore additional resources on how to increase commitment to partnering with people with lived expertise in child welfare. 

Find out where evidence-based programs and services are being implemented to prevent children from entering foster care.

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