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.

Adapt proven strategies from this publication to improve specific areas of culture and that support collaborative development of an effective service array.

Adapt strategies from this publication to improve specific areas of culture and climate to support partnering with families after conducting an assessment.

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.

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

Get informed about creating normalcy for LGBTQ children and youth in foster care and browse relevant examples.

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

Learn how to create an agency organizational culture that is inclusive and knowledgeable about the unique needs of LGBTQ children, youth, and families.