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.

Connect With Us

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 29 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. 

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

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.

PDF

Examine current research and how best to build organizational capacity in five areas, and learn about possible challenges and solutions.

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

Learn about applications that can make information gathering more efficient, increase useful data, and help you better understand those you serve. 

PDF

Discusses new software and technologies used in child welfare.

PDF

Read recent research on child welfare workforce management, including recruitment and retention, professional development, and organizational culture.

Video

Listen to a youth support partner tell her story of living in kinship care with her grandmother and being reunified with her mother. She discusses the difficulties during her time in care and the system support that might have helped to promote a better relationship with her mother. As a mentor, she helps youth heal from trauma and use their voice in positive ways.

PDF

Find out how simulation training is used in child welfare and learn the five key steps for developing and implementing a simulation programs.

PDF

Explore the types of simulation training available, the benefits, costs, and other considerations, when setting up a simulation training program.

Video

Watch this video to learn more about state experiences building capacity for prevention.

Video

Watch this video to learn more about how states are selecting and implementing prevention programs.