Resource Library - Practice Supports

Practice Supports:
Child welfare agencies may adopt specific strategies for how they assess the needs of families and provide services and supports. These resources provide information on how these strategies can build on core organizational values around engagement and service delivery for families. Other essential practice supports include sufficient resources for staff to provide efficient services and continuous quality improvement strategies to monitor program effectiveness and outcomes.

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TitleContentCategoriesTypeYear
Dear Leaders ToolThis resource includes starting points for child welfare leaders who seek to bring family voice and power into the system., , , , , , , , 2022
Building Bridges for Every Child: Reception, Care and Services to Support Unaccompanied Children in the United StatesThis report offers recommendations for strengthening child-sensitive reception, care, and services for unaccompanied children in the United States. Drawing on …, , , , , 2021
Caring for LGBTQ Children & YouthThis resource provides information about the care and support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning children and youth. The …, , 2021
Human Trafficking and Child Welfare: A Guide for Child Welfare AgenciesExplores how leadership in child welfare agencies can support children who are victims of human trafficking, as well as children …, 2017
TeamFirst A Field Guide for Safe, Reliable, and Effective Child Welfare TeamsA reference book for safe, reliable and more effective teamwork. Readers will find descriptions of specific team-based strategies and tactics …, , , , , , 2019
The Indian Child Welfare Act – What We Need to Know on “Active Efforts”A video sharing the history of ICWA as well as the present state of ICWA. Practice considerations and practice examples …, , , , , , , 2022
Safe & Connected™ Practice ModelA model of practice that includes a research-informed framework, engaged assessments based on strengths, needs and risks, analytical decision making …, , , , , , , 2022
Integrating Positive Youth Development and Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Approaches Across the Child Welfare and Justice SystemsThis paper explores why systems need a new emphasis on Positive Youth Development (PYD) approaches that incorporate racial equity and …, , , , , , 2022
Putting Family First: Developing an Evidence-Based Child Welfare Preventive Practice ModelThis paper provides guidance for state child welfare agencies on what to consider when developing a preventive practice model that …, , , , , , , , , , , 2020
Annie E. Casey Family First Communication ToolkitA downloadable toolkit to help child welfare leaders, providers, advocates, and others talk about how the Family First Pre­ven­tion Ser­vices …, , , , , , , 2019
Family First Toolkit Part 3: Evaluating & Improving QualityThe tools in this kit align with the second phase of Family First Implementation: evaluating and improving quality. These tools …, , , , , , , , 2022
Family First Toolkit Part 2: Implementation & Change ManagementThe tools in this kit align with the second phase of Family First Implementation: implementation and change management. These Chapin …, , , , , , , , 2022
Family First Toolkit Part 1: Planning & ReadinessThe tools in this kit align with the first phase of Family First Implementation: planning and readiness. These tools from …, , , , , , , , 2022
System Transformation Through Community Leadership: Strategies for building effective partnerships with Black and Brown communitiesChapin Hall has compiled key findings into five system transformation equity bulletins and a toolkit to make lessons from the …, , , , , , , , , ,
Elevating Culturally Specific Evidence-Based PracticesThis brief provides an overview of ten culturally specific programs and two culturally responsive interventions, the evidence for each, and …, , , , , , , , 2021
A Tool for Transformative Family Engagement: A Commentary on the Family Engagement PlaybookAn overview of the Family Engagement Playbook, a set of research-based, actionable resources to strengthen individual competencies and organizational support …, , , 2019
Family Engagement PlaybookA collection of research-based actionable resources to strengthen individual competencies and organizational support for meaningful family engagement., , , , , , , , 2019
Methods and Emerging Strategies to Engage People with Lived Experience: Improving Federal Research, Policy, and PracticeThis brief identifies lessons learned and key considerations from a range of methods for engaging individuals with lived experience to …, , , , , 2021
Evaluating Family Engagement in Child WelfareThis brief provides an overview of key issues when evaluating a family engagement program or practice, including how family engagement …, , 2021
NCWWI Practice Supports Reference ListThis comprehensive reference list includes a compilation of papers, reports, peer-reviewed journal articles and other relevant resources addressing Practice Supports, 2022
The Prevention Services Clearinghouse​A database of placement prevention services that are classified as well-supported, supported, promising, or does not currently meet criteria. Family …, , , 2022
Title IV-E Prevention ProgramAn overview of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), Title IV-E Prevention Program, and resources to help guide implementation., , 2021
Child Welfare Training ToolkitNCSACW developed the Child Welfare Training Toolkit to educate child welfare workers about substance use and co-occurring disorders among families …, , , ,
National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training InitiativeNTI has developed two state-of-the-art, standardized, web-based trainings to build the capacity of child welfare and mental health professionals in …, , 2022
ICWA Active EffortsThis brief by the Capacity Building Center for Tribes provides an explanation of Active Efforts as they relate to the …, , , , 2022
ICWA Placement PreferencesThis brief from the Capacity Building Center for Tribes explains the law and regulations for following preferred placement preferences with …, , , , 2022
ICWA Online Guide: Qualified Expert WitnessThis brief from the Capacity Building Center for Tribes explains the role of Qualified Expert Witnesses (QEW) in ICWA cases. …, , , , 2022
ICWA Inquiry and NotificationThis overview from the Capacity Building Center for Tribes explains the process for inquiry and notification in ICWA cases and …, , , , 2022
Healing GuidebookThis guidebook provides practical tips & tools for working with children and youth who have experienced trauma (and for the …, , , , 2018
Pandemic Posed Challenges, but also Created Opportunities for Agencies to Enhance Future OperationsThis report from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) examines how child welfare agencies responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and …, , 2021
Active Efforts: Public Child Welfare ICWA Best Practices: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis 1-pager defines and explains active efforts according to the 2016 Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) final rule. Information includes …, , , 2021
Innovations Exchange Participant Summary on Practice SupportsThis document contains the feedback and recommendations from participants of the September 22, 2020, NCWWI Innovations Exchange on Practice Supports., 2020
Using Smart Phones as Practice Support: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThe summary describes how a smartphone app helped reinforce content from a training program for resource caregivers* on the use …, 2020
Technology Supports for the Workforce: Webinar Chatlog SummariesParticipant ideas and resources from the NCWWI webinar Supporting the Virtual Workforce: Using Social Media and Technology to Engage Children, …, 2020
What Child Welfare Workers Need in a PandemicThis infographic summarizes a Workforce Needs Assessment conducted with four public child welfare agencies during COVID-19 and provides three areas …, 2020
Quality Parenting Initiative Just In Time TrainingFlorida’s Just in Time Training is a web based service program designed to connect foster parents, kinship or other caregivers …2020
Successful Video Visits With Young ChildrenVideo visits with young children pose special challenges due to their developmental needs. This tip sheet offers some ideas for …2020
Child Welfare Safety Assessment and Planning During COVID-19 and Physical DistancingThis document describes ideas from the NCCD Children’s Research Center (CRC) for how to conduct safety assessment and planning under …2020
Evidence Base for Avoiding Family Separation in Child Welfare PracticeThis report presents an overview of the current social science literature related to the impact of out-of-home placement and family …2019
Family First Prevention Services Act: Implications For Addressing Youth HomelessnessThe paper, from National Network for Youth and ChildFocus, outlines how the Family First Prevention Services Act can be leveraged …2019
Kinship Navigator Programs Practical Tips and ResourcesA tip sheet for kinship navigator programs, with background information and additional resources2020
Mindfulness in Family AssessmentMaking mindfulness practices an integral part of the culture, structure, and practice of child welfare organizations results in reduced stress, …2018
Moral Injury in Child Protection WorkersThis video features the perspectives of three frontline social workers at various stages of their child protection careers and highlights …2019
Overview of Policies and Considerations for Case Managers Working with Foster Youth who are ParentingThis toolkit provides an overview of the current policies and guidelines in Florida regarding foster youth or youth who are …2020
Overview of Policies and Considerations for Child Welfare Professionals serving Transitioning Youth and Young Adults who are PregnantThis toolkit provides an overview of the current policies and guidelines in Florida regarding pregnant foster youth or youth who …2020
Child Welfare Safety Assessment and Planning During COVID 19 and Physical DistancingThis document describes ideas from the NCCD Children’s Research Center (CRC) for how to conduct safety assessment and planning while …2020
NASW Technology StandardsThese standards are designed to guide social workers’ use of technology; enhance social workers’ awareness of their ethical responsibilities when using …2017
Tip Sheet: Productively Working from HomeThis tip sheet provide examples of strategies for productively working from home.2020
How to Prepare for a Family Assessment: Suggestions for caseworkers and frontline staff This two-page summary discusses how to be self-aware and intentional during the decision-making process of family assessments. This publication takes …2018
Family Assessment Tool: How to overcome bias This tool can be used as a practical guide to help recognize and acknowledge bias and ways in which you …2018
Responding to Opioids: Practice NotesThis newsletter issue focuses on the opioid crisis in North Carolina and its impact on the Child Welfare System. Also …2018
Core Concepts and Principles of Effective Case Management: Approaches for the social service workforceThis document describes the concept of case management and the basic ideas or rules that explain, outline or provide guidance …2018
Decision-Making in Child Welfare for Improved Safety OutcomesThis brief details the factors that go into child welfare workers decision-making process and discusses the importance of multi-level decision-making …2017
SEC conversations with parentsThe Conversation Guide provides all of the resources needed to convene an informal but focused conversation. It is designed to …2019
Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Racial and Ethnic Minority YouthPractioner guide- explores and offers tips on how identities interact with each other and may produce unique challenges for youths. Some complexities …2017
Action Planning Supervision ToolTool to be used in supervision to support worker capacity at assessing and understanding Protective Factors.2018
Coaching on Protective FactorsThis brief is a worksheet for trainers to coach workers on the protective and promotive factors. It provides an overview …2018
Technology Supports Practice Improvements: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis document describes how technology supported the uptake of practice improvements related to trauma-informed care in child welfare in three …, 2020
Guide for Developing & Implementing Child Welfare Practice Models2012
Implementing the DCF Case Practice Model (NJ)This overview of the Implementation of the Case Practice Model highlights a six prong approach: 1) Leadership Development, 2) Statewide …2017
Changing Systems & Practice to Improve Outcomes for Young Fathers, Their Children & Their FamiliesThis brief makes recommendations for child welfare system policy and practice changes that recognize the critical role young fathers can …2017
Building Family Capacity For Family Involvement in Child WelfareThis action brief, the first in the Systems of Care Family Involvement Series, addresses capacity building at the child welfare …2008
Meaningful Family Involvement: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis document summarizes the article “New Roles for Families in Child Welfare” which examines the strategies and approaches child welfare …, 2012
Parent Leadership: FRIENDS Online Learning Center CourseThis course addresses the benefits of parent leadership to parents, agencies, and programs; ways to nurture parent leadership; how the …2019
Iowa Parent Partners ProgramThis webpage offers all relevant information for the Parent Partners Program, a key strategy to improving practice with families by …2019
Family Engagement in Child Welfare Video SeriesThis video series and accompanying discussion guides showcase the experiences of two Systems of Care communities that worked with birth …2019
Working with Kinship Caregivers2012
Measuring Compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act: An Assessment ToolkitThis toolkit identifies strengths and weaknesses of different data collection approaches, provides sample tools or questions for the sites, and …2013
ICWA Quick Reference Guide – Involuntary ProceedingsThis reference guide on the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901-63; ICWA Proceedings Final Rule, 25 …2016
Working With “Hard to Reach” PopulationsThis webinar examined practices on how to work with populations that are difficult to reach and explores how those populations …2017
Decision-making in Child Protection: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis paper summarizes a study focused on the second cohort of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being that …, 2017
Differential Response Family Engagement ToolkitThis document outlines Family Engagement skill sets for the use with child welfare practitioners to enhance and improve their skills …2014
State Statutes Related to the Indian Child Welfare ActThis webpage provides states’ statutes related to strengthening, enhancing or complying with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act. Keywords: Native …2019
Planning With Youth in Transition: Tips, Tools and TechniquesThis training course provides an overview of juvenile court rules related to older youth planning, explores transition assessment/planning tools, and …2017
An Experiment That Has Failed: Privatization of Child Welfare in NebraskaThis 2-page article critiques the statewide child welfare privatization initiative that was launched in Nebraska, concluding that the private system …2015
Motivational Interviewing as a Practice Innovation in Child WelfareThis webinar is an opportunity to hear about implementing Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a practice innovation in child welfare agencies …2011
Engaging Parents: Innovative Approaches in Child WelfareThis document reviews innovative approaches that mitigate the obstacles to engaging parents in child welfare and includes recommendations on the …2010
Building and Sustaining Father EngagementThis training course explores methods to identify, locate and engage fathers, and the skills necessary to identify strengths and to …2014
Family Meeting Facilitator TrainingAs part of Family Connections Oregon, this training curriculum was developed to teach the theoretical foundations, applications and facilitation skills …2015
Supporting Meaningful Family Engagement (Part 2)This video features the second part of a workshop on Meaningful Family Engagement, covering the ‘how to’ of family engagement …, 2015
Supporting Meaningful Family Engagement (Part 1)This video features the first part of a workshop on meaningful visitation, family engagement, and dealing with siblings- particularity siblings …, 2015
Use of Cultural Brokers as an Approach to Community Engagement with African American Families in Child WelfareThis curriculum provides research highlights, historical perspectives, conceptual frameworks, approaches for community engagement, tools and experiential opportunities to strengthen social …2011
Engagement Part 3: “A Success Story”This video features UNC-Chapel Hill faculty member and human services trainer, Dan Comer, who offers a moving real-world example that …2014
Engagement Part 2: “Why We Struggle with Engagement”This video features UNC-Chapel Hill faculty member and child welfare trainer, Dan Comer, who suggests steps practitioners can take to …2014
Engagement Part 1: “Engagement in Child Welfare Work”This video features UNC-Chapel Hill faculty member and child welfare trainer with 30 years in the field, Dan Comer, who …2014
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Engaging FamiliesThis webpage provides resources addressing how to understand and fully engage families in child welfare services including State and local …2019
National Center on Family Group Decision MakingThis webpage provides information on training and consultation, research, resources, and events related to the Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) …2019
The Importance of Family Engagement in Child Welfare ServicesThis paper discusses barriers caseworkers encounter in engaging families in child welfare services and identifies characteristics of families associated with …2009
Parent Leadership and Family Engagement in CPS and Foster Care (Virginia)This edition of the Virginia Child Protection Newsletter emphasizes the importance of using a family engagement approach when working with …2011
Engaging Children, Youth and FamiliesThis issue of Improving Outcomes by Improving Practice deals with a foundational element of child welfare— engaging children, youth and …2011
Growing and Sustaining Parent Engagement A Toolkit for Parents and Community PartnersThe Toolkit is a quick and easy guide to help support and sustain parent engagement. It provides how to’s for …2010
Family Involvement in the Improving Child Welfare Outcomes Through Systems of Care InitiativeThis case study provides a comprehensive overview, lessons learned, and recommendations of how the principle of child, youth, and family …2010
Family Engagement: Partnering with Families to Improve Child Welfare OutcomesEngaging families in the casework process promotes the safety, permanency, and wellbeing of children and families in the child welfare …2016
Engaging with Parents: Self-Study GuideThis guide presents a 21-hour self-study unit based on the principles of the Strengthening Families and Stronger Together programs that …2009
Family Engagement InventoryThis website presents the Family Engagement Inventory (FEI), an interactive web-based tool designed to familiarize professionals in child welfare, juvenile …2019
Creating Effective Parent-Practitioner Partnerships: FRIENDS Online Learning Center CourseThis course defines the roles and lists the benefits of parent leadership, describes common fears and barriers of parent leadership, …2019
Child Protective Services: A Guide for CaseworkersThis manual examines the roles and responsibilities of child protective services (CPS) workers; describes the purposes, key decisions, and issues …2018
Changing Systems & Practice to Improve Outcomes for Young Fathers, Their Children & Their FamiliesThis brief makes recommendations for child welfare system policy and practice changes that recognize the critical role young fathers can …2017
Guide for Developing & Implementing Child Welfare Practice ModelsThis guide offers an overall framework for developing, imple­menting and/or strengthening a family-centered practice model, cites specific examples from States …2012
Coaching to Support Solution-based Casework in Child Welfare (1-page Summary)Coaching to Support Solution-based Casework in Child Welfare (1-page Summary)2019
Practice Model (Washington, D.C.)This Practice Model for the DC Child and Family Services Agency describes the primary goals, core principles and values, leadership …, 2006
Solution-Based Casework OverviewThis document is provides a brief overview of Solution-Based Casework based on the information available in The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse …2013
Coaching to Support Solution-based Casework in Child WelfareThis webinar describes solution-based casework coaching at Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services, Children’s Administration. Presenters highlight the …, 2012
Washington State Division of Children & Family Services: Family-Centered Practice ModelThis document describes Washington State’s family-centered approach to child welfare services, and the intended benefits and outcomes of these services.2019
Family Preservation & Family Centered PracticeIdentifies the philosophy and values of family preservation services and addresses family engagement, assessment, case planning, teaming, and more. 2012
Adopting a Child Welfare Practice FrameworkThis paper on creating a practice framework is intended for child welfare professionals in leadership positions interested in grounding and …2008
An Introduction to the Practice Model Framework: Working Document SeriesThis working document explains the process of developing a framework to help child welfare agencies and Tribal social service programs …2008
An Individualized, Strengths-Based Approach in Public Child Welfare Driven Systems of CareThis brief focuses on the principle of an individualized, strengths-based approach in public child welfare., 2008
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Family Centered PracticeThis section provides key elements of family-centered practice and provides overarching strategies for family-centered casework practice across child welfare service …2019
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Child Welfare Practice ModelsThis section of the Child Welfare Information Gateway includes best practice models to improve safety, permanency, and well-being for children. …2019
Solution Based CaseworkThis website provides information, training, and resources for Solution-Based Casework, an evidenced-informed casework practice model that prioritizes working in partnership …2019
Coaching to Support Solution-based Casework in Child Welfare (1-page Summary)This document summarizes a NCWWI webinar that highlights the core elements of a solution-based casework coaching model necessary to support …, 2014
Coaching to Support Solution-based Casework in Child Welfare2012
Child Welfare Model of Practice (Iowa)This model provides Iowa’s child welfare model of practice was developed to define, affirm, guide, reinforce and support DHS’s strength-based …2007
Family Preservation & Family Centered Practice2012
Positioning Public Child Welfare Guidance: Practice ModelsThis guidance offers information on definitions, strategies, key processes, operations, and implementation of a public child welfare practice model. , 2011
Information Packet: Family Centered Practice ModelsThis new National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections information packet,provides information on family centered practice principles, legislation & …, 2009
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Child Welfare Practice ModelsThis section of the Child Welfare Information Gateway includes best practice models to improve safety, permanency, and well-being for children. …2019
Transformational Relationships for Youth SuccessThis brief shares lessons about the powerful difference that a transformational relationship can make in a young person’s life and …2017
A Primer on Title IV-E Funding for Child WelfareThe document explains how states use Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, the largest federal funding stream for child …2016
Building the Skills Adults Need for Life: A Guide for PractitionersThis guide for practitioners explains the science behind core life skills, what affects their development, and how practitioners can help.2017
NASW Standards for Social Work Practice in Child WelfareThis document is a basic tool for social work practice in child welfare that might include family preservation and support, …2013