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Administration / Child Welfare Systems - Results (75 Publications)

Title: Foster Parent Pre-Service Training.
Published: 2008
Available from: National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp
Hunter College School of Social Work
129 East 79th Street
New York, NY 10065
Printable version (PDF): http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp/downloads/policy-issues/Foster_Parent_Preservice_Training.pdf
Abstract: States have a variety of policies regarding pre-service training for foster parents. We have assembled those we were able to locate here. Note that this is not a comprehensive list of all policies. (Author abstract)

Title: African American Families.
Author(s): Hattery, Angela J. ;Smith, Earl.
Published: 2007
Available from: Sage Publications
http://www.sagepub.com
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Abstract: This book examines the state of African American families in the early 21st century and argues that the strongest predictor of gaps between African Americans and whites, be they gaps in marriage rates, health insurance, incarceration, or employment, are the result of structural impediments that continue to block full access to the opportunity structure. The text draws on data from interviews conducted in 2003 and 2004 with 40 African American men and women who were living with intimate partner violence. Beginning chapters provide an overview of African American families and in-depth reviews of the various theoretical frameworks that have been employed in studies of the African American family. The theory framing the current analysis, the race, class, and gender paradigm, is explained. The third and fourth chapters examine African American family formation. Marriage, cohabitation, and childbearing patterns are examined with attention to the factors that shape these patterns and ways in which these patterns shape social class, work life, and interpersonal violence. Remaining chapters explore an issue and/or institution that affect African American families both directly and indirectly: intimate partner violence, health, education, work, poverty, and incarceration. The final chapter focuses on solutions and discusses recommendations for addressing structural barriers that impact African American families. Appendices include statistical data on African American families. Numerous references.

Title: Adapting Evidence-Based Treatments for Use with American Indian and Native Alaskan Children and Youth.
Author(s): BigFoot, Dolores Subia.;Braden, Janie.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Focal Point.
v. 21, 1, Winter 2007, p. 19-22
Available from: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/
PO Box 751

Portland, OR 97207-0751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/PDF/fpW0706.pdf
Abstract: This article describes the adaptation of several evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for child traumatic stress for use in Native American communities. The EBTs that are discussed attend to the broad cultural, historical, and intergenerational traumas that are part of the life experience of many Native American youth. (Author abstract)

Title: Alternative Response Systems.
Published: 2007
Available from: FRIENDS National Resource Center For Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
http://www.friendsnrc.org
Chapel Hill Training Outreach Project
800 Eastowne Drive
Suite 105
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Printable version (PDF): http://www.friendsnrc.org/download/ars.pdf
Abstract: On April 17, 2007 at the 2007 CBCAP/PSSF Grantees Meeting in Portland, Oregon, a joint session of grantees of Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP), Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF), the State Liaison Officers (SLO), and the Children's Justice Act (CJA) was convened. This session provided a brief overview of Alternative Response across the nation and a description of selected statutory, policy, practice, service, and data dimensions. This report discusses findings from States on their involvement with alternative response systems (ARS) and other child protective services (CPS) innovations; ways to expand involvement on both individual and collective levels; and State needs for support and technical assistance. Findings indicate four States (Florida, Maryland, Nevada, and Ohio) were involvement with the piloting of ARS in their State; three indicated involvement with some type of family meeting (District of Columbia, Illinois, and Maryland); and three indicated some type of involvement with legislation (New York, Vermont and Wisconsin). Several states (Alabama, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Michigan) mentioned participation in collaborative bodies as a method of involvement. Charts are provided that illustrate how different States are using innovative strategies in child protection, and strategies used to expand involvement in innovative child protection practices including ARS. The support and technical assistance needed by the States is also discussed, and recommendations are offered for increasing involvement between the CBCAP lead agencies and the child welfare agencies in areas pertaining to ARS. 2 charts and 4 references.

Title: Research Report / Denver Indian Family Resource Center.
Author(s): Leake, Robin.
Published: 2007
Available from: Children's Bureau
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/
Administration on Children, Youth and Families
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Printable version (PDF): http://www.americanhumane.org/assets/docs/protecting-children/PC-rmqic-dif-report.pdf
Abstract: This report discusses the activities and outcomes of the Denver Indian Family Resource Center's Rocky Mountain Quality Improvement Center (RMQIC), a center designed to prevent removal and out-of-home placement, or to promote timely return home of Indian children who have become involved with the child welfare system due to parental substance abuse and child neglect or maltreatment. The report begins with a review of the literature on the difficult relationship between American Indians and the child welfare system, and then explains the methodology used to evaluate the project. The evaluation used quantitative pre-post measures (North Carolina Family Assessment Scale-American Indian version), documentation of consumer input (American Indian Family Survey and satisfaction survey), and measurement of safety and permanency outcomes gathered from administrative and case records. In addition, qualitative interviews were done with a sample of outside collaborating agency personnel. The case record review also covered all materials sent by Department of Human Services and by substance abuse evaluators and service providers. In addition, caseworkers for RMQIC participants were contacted for interviews. Finally, DIFRC staff collected and documented biological measurement results by substance abuse providers as an indicator of parental substance use reduction or elimination. Findings indicate a total of 49 participants were served by the RMQIC project between January 1, 2003, and June 30, 2006. Repeated measures analyses were conducted to determine whether there were changes in any of the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale-American Indian domains, including environment, caregiver capabilities, family interactions, family safety, and child well-being across the three time-point measures: baseline, 180 days, and case closure. Results showed significant positive improvements from baseline to case closure in only one domain, caregiver capabilities (p<.05). Additional findings and recommendations for future services are discussed. 8 references.

Title: Developing an Empirically Based Practice Initiative : A Case Study in CPS Supervision.
Author(s): Jones, Jenny L.;Sundet, Paul.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work
v. 4, 3/4, 2007, p. 1-182
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This special journal issue focuses on the challenges and successes of child protective services supervisor demonstration training projects that are incorporating empirically based practice. Specific articles address: an overview of the Children's Bureau discretionary grant programs and specific strategies that the Bureau is undertaking to ensure knowledge development through research and demonstration projects; the administration of research and demonstration projects in public child welfare agencies in four States by the Southern Regional Quality Improvement Center for Child Protection to test models of structured clinical supervision; the results of a two-State study of relationships between child welfare employees' intentions to remain employed in child welfare and their self-efficacy beliefs about their capabilities to accomplish core work tasks; findings from a study on the correlates of secondary traumatic stress in child welfare; the outcomes of a mentoring effort focused on child welfare supervisors in Arkansas; the applicability of clinical decision-making as a tool for effective skills building in child protective services supervision; outcomes of Mississippi child welfare supervisors who are using case review data summaries to compare outcomes for project evaluation and facilitate changes in supervisory practices; outcomes of a case study in Tennessee that highlight the difficulties in testing models for evidence based practice; using 360 degree evaluation to improve clinical skill development by first line child protective services supervisors; and a case example of an agency-academic collaboration in evidence-based practice that applied the Intervention Design and Development model to a staff development initiative. Numerous references.

Title: Western Region Report, Qualitative Case Review Findings, Review Conducted October 2-6, 2006 : A Joint Report byThe Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group And Office of Services Review, Department of Human Services [State of Utah].
Published: 2007
Available from: Utah Department of Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services
http://www.hsdcfs.utah.gov/
120 North 200 West #225
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Printable version (PDF): http://www.hsdcfs.utah.gov/documents/Western--CWGOSRReport-Final-2007.pdf
Abstract: The Utah Division of Child and Family Services completed a comprehensive plan for the delivery of services to families and children in May 1999 entitled The Performance Milestone Plan pursuant to an order issued by United States District Court. The plan provides for four monitoring processes that include a review of the quality of actual case practice. This report discusses the outcomes of a review of the quality of actual case practice. It assesses the performance of the Division's regions in achieving practice consistent with the practice principles and practice standards expressed in the plan, as measured by the Qualitative Case Review (QCR) process. A total of 24 cases were randomly selected from the universe of the case categories of out-of-home, Protective Family Preservation services, Protective Services Supervision, and Protective Service Counseling in the Region. As a compliment to the individual case reviews, key local system leaders were interviewed from other child and family serving agencies and organizations in the region about system issues, performance, assets, and barriers. Following an explanation of the methodology of the review, the report discusses system strengths that were identified: improvements in teaming, worker competence, planning, skilled foster parents, long-term view, and transition to adult living. Observations from seven focus groups with agency staff, foster parents, legal partners, and drug court clients and three individual interviews with a judge, peer parent, and the regional director of the Division, are then shared. Findings from the review indicate there was region wide improvement in the scores this year. Child and Family Assessment and Long-term View measures, both of which were at 54% last year, soared to 75% and 71% respectively. Every office that participated in the reviews both years increased the number of cases that had successful scores on both indicators. In addition, 88% of foster care cases had acceptable Overall System Performance while 86% of home-based cases had acceptable system performance. Additional findings and recommendations for practice improvement are discussed.

Title: Child Abuse Fatalities Among Internationally Adopted Children.
Author(s): Miller, Laurie C.;Chan, Wilma.;Reece, Robert A.;Tirella, Linda Grey.;Pertman, Adam.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Child Maltreatment
v. 12, 4, November 2007, p. 378-380
Available from: Sage Publications
http://www.sagepub.com
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Abstract: This article cites statistics that indicate there have been 18 fatalities of internationally adopted children since 1996 because of suspected or proven cases of abuse and/or neglect by their adoptive parents. Characteristics of the victims and of the adopted families are discussed, as well as prevention strategies. Practitioners are urged to educate prospective parents for the challenges they might face, and to appraise these men and women for signs that they might have unrealistic expectations or might not be emotionally ready for adoption. 39 references.

Title: Joint Session with CBCAP/PSSF/SLO/CJA: Alternative Response in Child Welfare: Snapshot of the States.
Published: 2007
Available from: FRIENDS National Resource Center For Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
http://www.friendsnrc.org
Chapel Hill Training Outreach Project
800 Eastowne Drive
Suite 105
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Printable version (PDF): http://www.friendsnrc.org/download/arsstates.pdf
Abstract: This chart illustrates strategies that different States are employing to provide community based child abuse prevention and provide alternative responses in child welfare. For each State, information is provided on: the agency providing community-based prevention services; alternate responses to child abuse prevention; child protective services (CPS) innovations; involvement with ARS and/or CPS innovation; ways to become or expand individual and collective involvement; and the technical assistance and support needed to expand involvement in ARS. 1 chart.

Title: Perennial Panic: Why Child Welfare in Arizona Never Gets Better.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Coalition for Child Protection Reform
http://www.nccpr.org/
53 Skyhill Road (Suite 202)
Alexandria, VA 22314
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nccpr.org/reports/arizona08202007.pdf
Abstract: This report explores the child welfare system in Arizona, the problems in the system, and recommendations for improving child welfare services. It begins by explaining the rise in child removals in Arizona following a highly publicized child death, and the subsequent rise in child fatalities during 2002 to 2005. The difficulties that arise when professionals are told to err on the side of the child are discussed, as well as the dangers of foster care. Information is then given on the characteristics and troubles faced by families involved in the child welfare system, the rise of the panic in child welfare that shaped decision making in Arizona, and the problems that arose following a mandate to invest every case. The need for training, the trouble with legislators running child welfare agencies, financial incentives in Arizona child welfare that impact services, and the impact of the media and advocacy community are also considered. Finally, recommendations are made for helping families, funding services, developing an Intensive Family Preservation Services program, and providing other types of services to preserve families. 143 references.

Title: Implementing the Rosie D. Remedy: The Opportunities and Challenges of Restructuring a System of Care for Children's Mental Health in Massachusetts.
Author(s): Kenny, Holly A.
Published: 2007
Available from: Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute
http://www.massmedicaid.org/
Landmark Center, 401 Park Drive
Boston, MA 02215
Printable version (PDF): http://www.massmedicaid.org/pdfs/2007-10-12_rosie-d.pdf
Abstract: The district court ruling in Rosie D. v. Romney, and the subsequent remedy now being implemented by State health and human service agencies, have the potential to transform the delivery of mental health services for children with serious emotional disturbances (SED) in Massachusetts. This issue brief explores the implications and potential effects of the case and the resulting remedy on the MassHealth program, other state programs, the behavioral health and social service delivery systems, and affected children and their families. (Author abstract)

Title: Social Work Research and Evaluation: Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice. 8th Ed.
Author(s): Grinnell, Richard.;Unrau, Yvonne.
Published: 2007
Available from: Oxford University Press
http://www.oxfordjournals.org/
2001 Evans Road
Cary, NC 27513
Abstract: Designed for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate social work students, this text introduces key concepts of evidence-based practice and explores both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Part 1 on the contexts of research examines the basic tenets that make the research method different from the other ways of knowing. Chapters discuss the ethical conduct of research and quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Part 2 contains four chapters that center around how research studies are designed, from the initial conceptualization to the measurement of its variables. Chapters also describe how to form a sample of research participations. Part 3 consists of six chapters that detail how to collect data via the most widely utilized social work data collection methods: observations, interviews, surveys, secondary analyses, and content analyses. The following part describes how to do social work research with minority and disadvantaged groups of people, and Part 5 discusses how to analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Part 6 explains how to write up a research report and evaluating quantitatively and qualitatively oriented studies. Four chapters in Part 7 provide the basic building blocks for the evidence-based social work practitioner. Chapters discuss how to find existing information, evaluating information that is found, conducting meta-analyses, and steps for conducting evidence-based social work practice. The final part focuses on program evaluation and explains needs assessments, process evaluations, outcome evaluations, and cost-effectiveness evaluations. Numerous references and tables.

Title: Time for Reform: A Matter of Justice for American Indian and Alaskan Native Children.
Published: 2007
Available from: Kids Are Waiting
http://kidsarewaiting.org/
1025 F Street, NW, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20004-1409
Printable version (PDF): http://kidsarewaiting.org/tools/reports/files/0009.pdf
Abstract: This briefing paper provides information on federal financing for tribal child welfare services, critical issues in accessing this funding for tribal governments, and implications for tribal service delivery, and a discussion of the Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care recommendations for tribal child welfare financing. Inherent in this discussion is the acknowledgement of tribal governments' legal authority and jurisdiction to provide child welfare services and the recognition that they are in the best position to understand and effectively respond to the needs of their American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) children and families. Tribal governments' ability to provide lasting and permanent families for children who enter the child welfare system is greatly dependent upon the funding resources available to them. (Author abstract)

Title: Primer Hands On-Child Welfare: Training for Child Welfare Stakeholders in Building Systems of Care: A Skill Building Curriculum.
Author(s): Pires, Sheila A.;Lazear, Katherine J.;Conlan, Lisa.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement.
http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/
Muskie School-USM
P.O. Box 15010
400 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04112-5010
Document available online at: http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/systemofcare.htm
Printable version (PDF): http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/SystemsOfCareCurriculum/SystemsOfCareCurriculum.zip
Abstract: Primer Hands On-Child Welfare is a capacity enhancement initiative for leaders involved in building systems of care for children, youth and families involved, or at risk for involvement, in the child welfare system. The objectives of the curriculum are to strengthen the knowledge base and skills of system builders to operate strategically in system building by: 1) providing them with a strategic framework for system building; 2) strengthening their knowledge of the functions that require structure in systems of care and the elements of effective system building processes; and 3) strengthening critical thinking about the pros and cons of various system building approaches for children, youth and families involved, or at risk for involvement, in the child welfare system. (Author abstract)

Title: CBCAP and PART Update [Teleconference].
Author(s): Brodowski, Melissa Lim.
Published: 2007
Available from: FRIENDS National Resource Center For Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
http://www.friendsnrc.org
Chapel Hill Training Outreach Project
800 Eastowne Drive
Suite 105
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Document available online at: http://www.friendsnrc.org/resources/teleconference.htm#partup
Abstract: This teleconference provided information for CBCAP leads in reporting on the CBCAP PART Efficiency Measure for 2007.

Title: Title IV-E Adoption Assistance State Self-Assessment.
Published: 2007
Available from: Children's Bureau
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/
Administration on Children, Youth and Families
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Document available online at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/2007/im0709b.htm
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/2007/im0709b.pdf
Abstract: In order for a State to be eligible to claim Federal financial participation (FFP) for its title IV-E adoption assistance program, it must, in part, have a title IV-E State plan which provides for adoption assistance in accordance with section 473 of the Social Security Act (the Act). The title IV-E State plan must be approved by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for FFP to be claimed under the plan. All relevant changes to State law, administrative rule, policy, etc., which impact title IV-E adoption assistance must be submitted to the appropriate Regional Office as an amendment to the State's title IV-E State plan. The title IV-E adoption assistance program self-assessment tool was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Children's Bureau (CB), to provide a process by which State title IV-E agencies may voluntarily review their title IV-E adoption assistance programs. The self-assessment tool is intended only for internal use by State title IV-E agencies. This tool is not a Federal requirement and States are not required to complete it. We do hope, however that States will take advantage of the document and that the self-assessment will serve as a useful tool for the State to identify whether State laws, regulations, policies and procedures should be modified to meet Federal requirements. It should be noted that the self-assessment tool covers the general rules related to title IV-E adoption assistance eligibility and that only the requirements in statute, regulations and the Child Welfare Policy Manual are formal statements of Federal law or policy. Case-specific inquiries should be directed to the State's appropriate Regional Office. Using the self-assessment tool does not preclude ACF from conducting a partial review in accordance with Federal regulations at 45 CFR 1355.32(d). However, we believe that a State's better understanding of the Federal requirements for the title IV-E adoption assistance program will enable the State to proactively make any necessary changes to assure consistency with the title IV-E adoption assistance program. (Author abstract)

Title: Information Memorandum to State and Territorial Agencies Administering or Supervising the Administration of Title IV-E of the Social Security Act: Title IV-E Adoption Assistance State Self-Assessment Tool.
Published: 2007
Available from: Child Welfare Information Gateway
http://www.childwelfare.gov
Children's Bureau/ACYF
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW
Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Document available online at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/2007/im0709.htm
Abstract: The purpose of this Information Memorandum is to provide States with a self-assessment tool and the option to use it as a guide to review their State's compliance with the Federal requirements of the title IV-E adoption assistance program. (Author abstract)

Title: Child Welfare: HHS Actions Would Help States Prepare Youth in the Foster Care System for Independent Living.
Author(s): Ashby, Cornelia M.
Published: 2007
Available from: Government Accountability Office
http://www.gao.gov/
441 G St., NW
Washington, DC 20548
Document available online at: http://www.gao.gov/htext/d071097t.html
Printable version (PDF): http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071097t.pdf
Abstract: Congress passed the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (FCIA), which doubled annual federal funds for independent living programs to $140 million. This testimony discusses (1) states' FCIA funding allocations, (2) services provided and remaining challenges, (3) state coordination of programs to deliver services, and (4) the states and the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) progress toward meeting program accountability requirements. This testimony is primarily based on our 2004 report on FCIA (05-25), with updated information from our 2007 testimony on state child welfare challenges (07-850T). To conduct the 2004 work, we surveyed state independent living coordinators, conducted 4 state site visits, and reviewed states' plans and annual reports. Updated information from our 2007 testimony was taken primarily from a 2006 survey of state child welfare directors. States' funding allocations for independent living programs effectively ranged from a maximum of approximately $500 to $2,300 for each foster care youth who was eligible for independent living services, according to data available at the time of our 2004 report. Funding varied because of differences in states' eligibility requirements and the funding formula used to allocate funds. Although our 2004 survey of state independent living coordinators showed that 40 states reported expanding existing independent living services to younger youth and 36 states reported serving youth older than they had previously served, states varied in their ability to engage youth and to provide key services. About one-third of reporting states were serving less than half of their eligible foster care youth population, while an equal percentage of states were serving three-fourths or more. Our 2006 survey of state child welfare directors showed that critical gaps remain in providing services such as mental health and housing for youth transitioning to independence. Mental health barriers included differences in eligibility requirements and level of services between the youth and adult systems, and long waiting lists. Housing barriers included limited affordable housing in costly urban areas, scarce rental housing in rural areas, and problems obtaining a rental lease due to the lack of youth employment and credit history or a co-signer to guarantee payment. Almost all states that we surveyed in 2004 reported an increase in coordination with some federal, state, and local programs, but linkages with other federal and state youth-serving programs were not always in place to increase services available across local areas. Many programs exist at the federal, state, or local level that can be used to provide or supplement independent living services, and each state reported in our survey using some of these programs to provide services. Despite these coordination efforts, some states may not make full use of the available resources. Inconsistent availability of information on the array of programs that were operating in each state and local area was cited as a challenge in promoting coordination in both our prior and more current work. States and HHS have taken action to fulfill the accountability provisions of FCIA, but 8 years later, little information is available to assess program outcomes. All states developed multiyear plans for their programs and submitted annual reports, but using these documents to assess state performance was hindered by inconsistencies between the plans and reports, an absence of goals and baseline information to measure progress, and incomplete information on outcomes for the youth serviced. ACF started developing an information system in 2000 to monitor state performance, but final regulations directing states to begin collecting data and tracking outcomes are still pending. ACF is also conducting evaluations of selected independent living programs, but results are not yet available. (Author abstract)

Title: Traumatic Stress/Child Welfare.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Focal Point.
v. 21, 1, Winter 2007, p. 1-32
Available from: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/
PO Box 751

Portland, OR 97207-0751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/PDF/fpW07.pdf
Abstract: This Focal Point issue focuses on child traumatic stress, particularly as experienced by children involved in the child welfare system. The causes and effects of traumatic stress are discussed, as are evidence-based treatments, and prevention strategies. (Author abstract)

Title: Evidence-Based Treatment for Children in Child Welfare.
Author(s): Stambaugh, Leyla.;Burns, Barbara J.;Landsverk, John.;Reutz, Jennifer Rolls.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Focal Point.
v. 21, 1, Winter 2007, p. 12-15
Available from: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/
PO Box 751

Portland, OR 97207-0751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/PDF/fpW0704.pdf
Abstract: This article describes exemplary trauma-focused treatments, focusing on how these treatments are useful for treating the mental health difficulties typically experienced by children who are involved in child welfare systems. Research on these interventions has revealed some common characteristics of effective treatments for children who have experienced trauma. Specifically, treatment is more effective when it is brief and when parents are involved. Overall, the findings presented here are promising and give hope that children who receive evidence-based treatment for trauma can have significantly improved lives. (Author abstract)

Title: Prevention of Sexual Abuse Through Educational Programs Directed Toward Children.
Author(s): Finkelhor, David.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Pediatrics
v. 120, 3, September 2007, 640-645
Available from: American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove, IL 60007-1098
Printable version (PDF): http://www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/CV170.pdf
Abstract: This paper responds to criticism of sexual abuse prevention programs directed towards children. It begins by identifying the conceptual and empirical criticisms that argue the programs are ineffective, and then rebuts the arguments that the programs are too complicated for children and the impossibility of children preventing assaults. Limitations of the studies that found child abuse prevention programs were ineffective are discussed, and positive results from the programs are shared. The decline of sexual abuse is also noted. The final part of the paper discusses allegations of the possible negative effects of prevention programs and concludes that the weight of currently available evidence shows that it is worth providing children with high-quality prevention education programs. 43 references.

Title: Creating a Trauma-Informed Child Welfare System.
Author(s): Igelman, Robyn.;Conradi, Lisa.;Ryan, Barbara.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Focal Point.
v. 21, 1, Winter 2007, p. 23-26
Available from: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/
PO Box 751

Portland, OR 97207-0751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/PDF/fpW0707.pdf
Abstract: Many child welfare systems around the country lack the ability to respond sensitively to the specific needs of children with complex trauma issues. This article explores challenges to creating trauma-informed child welfare systems and provides recommendations for future directions in the field. (Author abstract)

Title: Child Trauma : The Role of Public Policy.
Author(s): Gerrity, Ellen.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Focal Point.
v. 21, 1, Winter 2007, p. 27-30
Available from: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/
PO Box 751

Portland, OR 97207-0751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/PDF/fpW0708.pdf
Abstract: This article discusses the impact that federal, state, and local government policies have in promoting increased understanding of and effective response to child traumatic stress. Analysis of current policy issues and areas for improvement is included. (Author abstract)

Title: The Hispanic Family in Flux.
Author(s): Suro, Roberto.
Published: 2007
Available from: Brookings Institution
http://www.brookings.edu
1775 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
Printable version (PDF): http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/papers/2007/11_hispanicfamily_suro/11_hispanicfamily_suro.pdf
Abstract: By virtue of its size, growth, and relative youth, the Hispanic population will have a growing impact on all policy matters related to the family. This impact will be large and distinctive. The growth of the Hispanic population has already slowed the decline of the two-parent parent family in the United States as immigration produces a steady flow of young adults with a higher propensity to marry than their native-born peers, both Latino and non-Latino. But, immigration, particularly under current policies, is also producing a disproportionate number of Hispanics who are geographically separated from their spouses. The dynamics shaping the Hispanic family are both complex and fluid. Within the Hispanic population there are notable differences in the prevalence of some key behaviors. Of greatest concern is the finding that births to women who are unmarried are more common among native-born Latinos than foreign born Latinos. Such differences are especially significant for the long term because a large and growing share of the youth population is made up of the native-born children of immigrants. Survey data shows that a powerful process of acculturation is taking place among immigrants and their offspring which produces an erosion of the strong sense of family evident among recent immigrants in favor of attitudes similar to those of non-Latinos in the U.S. population. (Author abstract)

Title: Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Reference Handbook. 2nd ed.
Author(s): Kinnear, Karen L.
Published: 2007
Available from: ABC-CLIO, Inc.
130 Cremona Dr.
P. O. Box 1911
Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
Abstract: This book provides a survey of the available literature and other resources on the topic of childhood sexual abuse and lists sources for further research. Chapter 1 reviews literature concerning types of sexual abuse, causes, effects, indicators of childhood sexual abuse, intervention and treatment, the legal system, and prevention. Chapter 2 examines the major problems, controversies, and solutions in the field, including identifying abuse, various perpetrators, treatment issues, repression and false memories, and community notification laws. Chapter 3 offers a worldwide perspective, examining international laws and conventions, incidence and prevalence, worldwide issues, child trafficking, ritual abuse, and treatment. Chapter 4 provides a chronology of the significant events relevant to issues surrounding childhood sexual abuse. The following chapter offers biographical sketches of individuals who have played or are currently playing key roles in the area of childhood sexual abuse. Chapter 6 provides statistical information on the prevalence and incidence of child sexual abuse, as well as State statutes defining sexual abuse of children, summaries of U.S. laws and international conventions, and summaries of a sample of U.S. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases. A directory of private and public organizations, associations, and governmental agencies involved in treating children who have been sexually abused, as well as those that treat offenders is provided in Chapter 7. The final chapter includes annotations of books, handbooks, manuals, periodicals, and videos. Numerous references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Preventing Violence in Seven Countries: Global Convergence in Policies.
Author(s): Junger, Marianne.;Feder, Lynette.;Clay, Joy.;Côté, Sylvana M.;Farrington, David P.;Freiberg, Kate.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research
Online First June 06, 2007,
Available from: Springer
http://www.springer.com/
233 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013
Printable version (PDF): http://www.springerlink.com/content/j7281w4951h6nqg4/fulltext.pdf
Abstract: Do governments take the measures that are supported by the best scientific evidence available? We present a brief review of the situation in: Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Our findings show surprisingly similar developments across countries. While all seven countries are moving towards evidence-based decision making regarding policies and programs to prevent violence, there remain a number of difficulties before this end can be achieved. For example, there continue to be few randomized controlled trials or rigorous quasi-experimental studies on aggression and violence. Results from experimental research are essential to both policy makers and researchers to determine the effectiveness of programs as well as increase our knowledge of the problem. Additionally, all noted that media attention for violence is high in their country, often leading to management by crisis with the result that policies are not based on evidence, but instead seek to appease public outrage. And perhaps because of attendant organizational problems (i.e., in many countries violence prevention was not under the guise of one particular agency or ministry), most have not developed a coordinated policy focusing on the prevention of violence and physical aggression. It is hypothesized that leaders in democratic countries, who must run for election every 4 to 6 years, may feel a need to focus on short-term planning rather than long-term preventive policies since the costs, but not the benefits for the latter would be incurred while they still served in office. We also noted a general absence of expertise beyond those within scientific circles. The need for these ideas to be more widely accepted will be an essential ingredient to real and sustaining change. This means that there must be better communication and increased understanding between researchers and policy makers. Toward those ends, the recent establishment of the Campbell Collaboration, formed to provide international systematic reviews of program effectiveness, will make these results more available and accessible to politicians, administrators and those charged with making key policy decisions. (Author abstract)

Title: ND State Fast Facts.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk
http://www.neglected-delinquent.org/
Document available online at: http://www.neglected-delinquent.org/nd/data/fastfacts_SP1.asp
Abstract: Includes data collected in both the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 Consolidated State Performance Reports for neglected, at risk, and delinquent youth. Visitors to the Web site can view State-by-State data on programs, demographics, academic and vocational outcomes, and academic performance for both years of data collection. Easy-to-understand tables and graphs provide National comparisons as well. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Permanency through Group Work: A Pilot Intensive Reunification Program.
Author(s): Berry, Marianne.;McCauley, Kelly.;Lansing, Tracie.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal
v. 24, 5, October 2007, p. 477-494
Available from: Springer
http://www.springer.com/
233 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013
Abstract: Reunification of foster children with their birth parents is a critical focus of child welfare services, and the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 has intensified the effort to reunify families. A large child welfare agency in a mid-western state developed an evidence-based treatment reunification model, that is based on the practices and principles that have been found to most predictive of a safe, timely and successful return home. This model is intensive, home-based, and incorporates an innovative support group for birth parents. A comparative evaluation of this model after 1 year finds that its reunification rates are double that of comparable cases receiving the agency's conventional reunification services. (Author abstract)

Title: Semi -Annual Progress Report: IV-E Waiver Demonstration Evaluation.
Author(s): Armstrong, Mary I.;Vargo, Amy C.;Jordan, Neil.;[ et al.]
Published: 2007
Available from: Florida Department of Children and Families
http://www.myflorida.com/cf_web/
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Building 1, Room 202

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/publications/docs/IV-E-Semi-Annual_progress_report4-04-07-final.pdf
Abstract: This report is the first in a series of semi-annual progress reports on the status and activities related to the evaluation of Florida's IV-E Waiver Demonstration Project. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine the effectiveness of an expanded array of child welfare services and supports in improving permanency and safety outcomes for children in or at risk of entering out-of-home placement. The report begins with a brief description of the statewide transition to the community-based care (CBC) child welfare model to provide the context for the waiver implementation in Florida. It then discusses findings from data gathered from 20 lead agencies serving all 67 counties. The period covered for this report includes Fiscal Years 2003-2007. The methodology and results from a process study, a cost study, and an outcomes study are shared. Findings from the studies indicate lead agencies' performance varies considerably on measured indicators; however, there is a definite trend indicating a consistently lower proportion of children with adoption finalized compared to other types of permanency. The results of quantitative analyses indicated that lead agencies' performance was inconsistent across all calculated indicators. Lead agencies that performed well on indicators reflecting child safety do not perform that well on indicators of permanency. In contrast, lead agencies that achieve favorable outcomes on indicators of permanency do not achieve similar results on indicators of safety. Next steps for the waiver evaluation are discussed. 12 figures, 2 tables, and 14 references.

Title: Who Controls Foster-Care Programs and Purse Strings?
Published: 2007
Available from: Journalism Center on Children and Families
http://www.journalismcenter.org
4321 Hartwick Road, Suite 320
College Park, MD 20740
Document available online at: http://www.journalismcenter.org./jcommunity/articles/fostercarechart11.07.htm
Abstract: Federal foster-care dollars come from many funding streams under many jurisdictions. This chart identifies which entities in Congress and the executive branch control spending -- and through which programs. The chart, updated from an original published by the Institute for Educational Leadership in 2000, also provides a template for looking at spending on other vulnerable populations. (Author abstract)

Title: Family Structure / Child Trends Data Bank.
Published: 2007
Available from: Child Trends
http://www.childtrends.org
4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 350

Washington, DC 20008
Printable version (PDF): http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/pdf/59_PDF.pdf
Abstract: From the Child Trends Data Bank, this paper reviews trends in family structure over the last decade. Over the last 10 years, the proportion of children living with both parents has stabilized from 69% in 1995 to around 67% in 2006. Research shows that among children in two-parent families, those living with both biological parents in a low-conflict marriage have better outcomes than those living in stepparent families. Authors also share research that shows children with divorced parents have lower academic performance and social achievement.

Title: Wraparound: Key Information, Evidence, and Endorsements.
Author(s): Walker, Janet.;Bruns, Eric.
Published: 2007
Available from: Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health
http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/
PO Box 751

Portland, OR 97207-0751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/PDF/pbWraparoundEvidenceRecognition.pdf
Abstract: This report describes the wraparound approach for providing child welfare services, a team-based planning process intended to provide individualized, coordinated, family-driven care to meet the complex needs of children who are involved with several child- and family-serving systems, who are at risk of placement in institutional settings, and who experience emotional, behavioral, or mental health difficulties. The wraparound process requires that families, providers, and key members of the family's social support network collaborate to build a creative plan that responds to the particular needs of the child and family. Team members then implement the plan and continue to meet regularly to monitor progress and make adjustments to the plan as necessary. The team continues its work until members reach a consensus that a formal wraparound process is no longer needed. Information is provided on the values underlying the wraparound philosophy, research findings supporting the wraparound approach, evidence-based practice resources relating to wraparound, and components of the wraparound approach. Program costs and minimum provider qualifications are also considered.

Title: Losing Ground?: Federal Investments in Children Will Shrink Over the Next Decade if Present Policies Continue.
Author(s): Steuerle, C. Eugene.;Reynolds, Gillian.;Carasso, Adam.
Published: 2007
Available from: Urban Institute
http://www.urban.org
2100 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Printable version (PDF): http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411540_losing_ground.pdf
Abstract: This issue brief reports that between 2006 and 2017, the share of the budget pie that the federal government will invest in children is projected to decline by 14% to 29%. It reviews federal investment in children from 1965 to 2006, explains five different types of federal investments that benefit parents and children, and projects future federal investment in children from 2006 to 2017. The brief argues that the United States budget is increasingly oriented toward consumption-based programs and less oriented to those investments aimed at enhancing economic growth. Resources on the benefits of investing in children are listed. 2 figures and 2 references.

Title: Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration Programs: Pointing the Way to Reform.
Author(s): Zappala, Marc.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Adoption Advocate
4, September 2007,
Available from: National Council for Adoption
http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/
225 N. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2561
Printable version (PDF): http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/documents/AAWaiverDemonstrations.pdf
Abstract: This brief explains how the Federal funding structure in Titles IV-E and IV-B under the United States Social Security Act inhibits the overall performance of the nation's child welfare system. The establishment of the Title IV-E waiver demonstration program under Title XI, Section 1130 of the Social Security Act in 1994 is then described. This program permits States with federally approved waiver demonstrations to use a set amount of Title IV-E funds for the provision of services not normally permissible under Title IV-E. The brief examines the outcomes of all four waiver demonstrations approved and enacted under the Title IV-E waiver demonstration category Capped IV-E Allocations and Flexibility to Local Agencies. It summarizes results of the final evaluations for the waiver demonstrations in North Carolina, Indiana, and Oregon. Results indicate the waivers permitted States greater flexibility in their use of Title IV-E funds and led to significantly decreased entry and re-entry rates into the overburdened child welfare system and expedited family reunifications, while maintaining both the safety of children in the system and cost neutrality for the federal government. Recommendations for federal child welfare funding reform stemming from these findings are also discussed. 3 figures and 26 references.

Title: The Crisis of Family Separation Following Traumatic Mass Destruction : Jungian Analytical Play Therapy in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (Chapter 17 of Play Therapy with Children in Crisis: Individual, Group, and Family Treatment. 3rd ed.).
Author(s): Green, Eric J.
Published: 2007
Available from: Guilford Press
http://www.guilford.com/
72 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
Abstract: Designed to assist mental health professionals in facilitating psychological healing for children and families separated and/or traumatized by a natural disaster, this chapter describes the psychology of traumatization through family separation in catastrophes, Jungian perspectives on a child's inner world during a life-threatening crisis, and evidence-based practices and the utilization of a Jungian play therapy technique to facilitate healing. A clinical vignette involving Jungian analytical play therapy with a young trauma survivor and his family after Hurricane Katrina is included, along with study questions. 1 table, 2 figures, and 48 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Child Advocate Attorney Representation and Workload Study.
Published: 2007
Available from: ABA Center on Children and the Law
http://www.abanet.org/child
740 15th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.abanet.org/child/rclji/KennyAWorkloadStudy.pdf
Abstract: As a result of the Kenny A court case, a workload study was conducted that investigated the caseloads and work patterns of Child Advocate Attorneys (CAAs) in Georgia, how much time each CAA would require to comply with the principles and guidelines developed as a result of the Kenny A lawsuit, and how that compliance would affect the number of children that each CAA should represent. The methodology included: a review of the current work environment; focus group discussions with the current CAAs; data collection during a month long study of the time spent by current CAAs; in court observation of the attorneys; case file reviews; and analysis of the data collected in light of the Kenny A mandates. This report describes the caseload and work patterns of the existing Child Advocate Attorneys' Office using the data, and concludes that the existing Child Advocate Attorneys' Office lacks sufficient time and staff to implement the principles and guidelines specified in the Kenny A consent decree. It identifies various reforms both within the Child Advocate Attorneys' Office (internal reforms) and within DFCS and Juvenile Court practice (external reforms) that may permit the Child Advocate Attorneys' Office to implement those requirements. Recommendations include limiting each CAA to representing no more than 80 children at any given point in time if there are no reforms, limiting caseloads to no more than 100 children if there are internal reforms, and limiting caseloads to no more than 120 children if there are both internal and external reforms.

Title: Child Advocate Attorney Representation and Workload Study. Appendices.
Published: 2007
Available from: ABA Center on Children and the Law
http://www.abanet.org/child
740 15th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.abanet.org/child/rclji/KennyAAppendix.pdf
Abstract: As a result of the Kenny A court case, a workload study was conducted that investigated the caseloads and work patterns of Child Advocate Attorneys (CAAs) in Georgia, how much time each CAA would require to comply with the principles and guidelines developed as a result of the Kenny A lawsuit, and how that compliance would affect the number of children that each CAA should represent. The methodology included: a review of the current work environment; focus group discussions with the current CAAs; data collection during a month long study of the time spent by current CAAs; in court observation of the attorneys; case file reviews; and analysis of the data collected in light of the Kenny A mandates. These appendices include an analysis of the Child Advocate Attorney?s Office caseloads over the course of the last 10 years from 1998-2007 using the Juvenile Court computer system database; a list of the dispositions of all CAA cases from 1997-2007; a chart showing the time spent on detailed tasks by CAAs; and a chart showing the time spent with different parties.

Title: The Hispanic Family in Flux.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Healthy Marriage Resource Center
http://www.healthymarriageinfo.org
10530 Rosehaven Street
Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22030-2840
Printable version (PDF): http://tinyurl.com/2t4vgr
Abstract: Statistical breakdown of characteristics of Hispanic families.

Title: Child Welfare Monitoring: Child and Family Services Reviews [Website].
Published: 2007
Available from: Children's Bureau
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/
Administration on Children, Youth and Families
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Document available online at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwmonitoring/index.htm#cfsr
Abstract: Includes fact sheets, schedules, bulletins, and contact information.

Title: Administration of Mental Health Services by Medicaid Agencies.
Author(s): Verdie, James.;Barret, Allison.;Davis, Sarah.
Published: 2007
Available from: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services
http://www.samhsa.gov/index.aspx
Knowledge Exchange Network
P.O. Box 42490
Washington, DC 20201
Printable version (PDF): http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/pdf/SMA07-4301/SMA07-4301.pdf
Abstract: State Medicaid agencies are playing an increasingly important role in the funding and administration of State mental health services. While the increase in Medicaid funding for mental health services in recent decades and the major factors that account for it have been well described, less is known about how State Medicaid agencies are exercising their growing responsibilities for mental health services. Accordingly, the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) commissioned a telephone survey of State Medicaid agencies aimed at learning more about how these agencies administer Medicaid-funded mental health services. The survey asked questions about how Medicaid agencies are organized, what their relationships are with State mental health agencies, and how funding, provider, data, and reporting issues are handled. The results of the survey are summarized in this report. (Author abstract)

Title: Babies and the Budget: Opportunities for Action.
Published: 2007
Available from: Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
http://www.zerotothree.org
2000 M Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
Printable version (PDF): http://www.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/BabiesTheBudgetZTT.pdf?docID=4501
Abstract: This is an advocacy tool about the federal budget process: why it's important, how it works and where to seize opportunities to be involved. Based on a model by the Center for Community Change, it provides a timeline and opportunities for action throughout the budget process. (Author abstract)

Title: Successes for Children and Families: It's Time to Build on What Works in Child Welfare.
Author(s): Freundlich, Madelyn.
Published: 2007
Available from: North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
http://www.nacac.org/
970 Raymond Avenue, Suite 106
St. Paul, MN 55114
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nacac.org/adoptalk/innovationspaper.pdf?pagename=HittingTheMarc&JServSessionIdr008=3xts4k2x21.app5a
Abstract: This publication highlights nine key programs that are successfully using financing innovations to improve outcomes for children and youth. The programs include efforts that help children remain or return to their birth families, or exit foster care through adoption or guardianship. (Author abstract)

Title: Fact sheet: Educational Stability and Continuity for Children and Youth in Out-of-Home Care.
Published: 2007
Available from: Legal Center for Foster Care and Education
http://www.abanet.org/child/education/home.shtml
American Bar Association, Center on Children and the Law
740 15th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.abanet.org/child/education/StabilityFactSheetFinal.pdf
Abstract: Includes facts about education and children in out-of-home-care and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Title: Using Vouchers to Deliver Social Services: Considerations Based on the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program Experiences.
Author(s): Kirby, Gretchen.;Burwick, Andrew.
Published: 2007
Available from: Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)
http://aspe.hhs.gov/
Room 415F
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Av, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Document available online at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/07/vouchers/experiences/
Printable version (PDF): http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/07/vouchers/experiences/report.pdf
Abstract: In recent years there has been increased interest in providing consumers with more choice about who provides the public services they receive. Vouchers are one strategy for delivering public services in a way that makes the customer the central figure in deciding when and where to receive services, so that the funding relationship between the customer and the provider is similar to transactions in the private market. Vouchers also present a unique opportunity to expand the role of faith- and community-based organizations (FBCOs) in the network of publicly funded services. Organizations receiving direct federal funding may not use the monies for religious activities such as worship or proselytizing. However, an organization that receives funds indirectly does not need to separate religious activities from government-funded services. The key to indirect funding mechanisms, such as vouchers, is that they allow the customer to make an independent choice from among an array of providers and present an avenue through which customers can use public funds to receive faith-infused services. Interest in maximizing customer choice and expanding the delivery network to include a broader array of providers led the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), to take a closer look at how vouchers currently are used in delivering social services, and how they could be used in the future. This study assesses voucher use in two DHHS programs -- the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR) was engaged to examine and document how vouchers are used in the these two programs and the degree to which this indirect funding mechanism supports the goals of maximizing client choice and expanding the service delivery network to include FBCOs. (Author abstract)

Title: Child Welfare and Child Well-Being: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice [Audio Recording].
Published: 2007
Available from: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago
http://www.chapinhall.org
1313 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
Document available online at: http://www.about.chapinhall.org/conferences/bridging2007/presentations.html
Abstract: Chapin Hall hosted a November 29, 2007 panel discussion in Chicago featuring the co-editors of Child Protection: Using Research to Improve Policy and Practice. This book draws on data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, the first nationally representative sample of children who come to the attention of the child welfare system. Panelists discussed medical interventions and other services for at-risk infants and young children, and evidence-based parenting programs for families in the protective services system. (Author abstract) Video also available at http://www.researchchannel.org/prog/displayevent.aspx?rID=24406&fID=573

Title: Title IV-E Adoption Assistance Eligibility Flow Chart.
Published: 2007
Available from: Children's Bureau
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/
Administration on Children, Youth and Families
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/2007/im0709a.pdf
Abstract: This is a flow chart indicating, through yes or no questions, whether or not a child is eligible for IV-E adoption assistance.

Title: State Early Childhood Policy Profiles.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Center for Children in Poverty
http://nccp.org
215 W. 125th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10027
Document available online at: http://www.nccp.org/projects/improvingtheodds_stateprofiles.html
Abstract: State policies that promote health, education, and strong families can help the early development and school readiness of America's youngest citizens. These profiles highlight states' policy choices alongside other contextual data related to the well-being of young children. (Author abstract)

Title: FosterClub's Guide for Young People in Foster Care: Getting Through the Holidays.
Published: 2007
Available from: Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative
http://www.jimcaseyyouth.org/
222 South Central, Suite 305
St. Louis, MO 63105
Printable version (PDF): http://www.jimcaseyyouth.org/docs/fosterclub_guide.pdf
Abstract: Lots of people talk about how stressful the holidays can be. But we REALLY understand just how tough it can be for young people in foster care. How do we know? Because we've been there. So we've put together 10 tips for youth in foster care, developed by young people who know first-hand what it's like. (Author abstract)

Title: Child and Family Services Reviews 2001-2004: A Mental Health Analysis.
Author(s): McCarthy, Jan.;Van Buren, Erika.;Irvine, Marisa.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health
http://gucchd.georgetown.edu/programs/ta_center/index.html
Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development
Box 571485
Washington, DC 20057
Printable version (PDF): http://gucchd.georgetown.edu/files/products_publications/TACenter/cfsr_analysis.pdf
Abstract: The Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR), conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with State governments, is a results-oriented, comprehensive monitoring review system designed to assist States in improving outcomes for children and families who receive services from public child welfare systems. The CFSR focuses on safety, permanency, and well-being. It acknowledges that enhancing a child's healthy development and giving families the tools they need to care for their children will increase the likelihood of achieving these goals. Most children who enter the child welfare system have experienced significant trauma and have a high prevalence of mental health needs; however, only about one-fourth of those with diagnosed mental health needs receive specialty care. This Mental Health Analysis, based on a review of 52 Final Reports and 52 Program Improvement Plans (PIPs), includes the following sections in sequence: (1) A discussion of mental health service delivery and management trends noted in the Final Reports (Section 1) and PIPs (Section 2); (2) A summary of the mental health challenges and opportunities for reform across all States (Section 3); and (3) A discussion of issues for further study (Section 4). The Mental Health Analysis discovered trends across States and is not intended to be a source of in-depth information about individual States. The findings demonstrate an urgent need for mental health reform and describe collaborative strategies for beginning this reform. (Author abstract)

Title: Foster Care and Education State Legislation Chart: Providing School Stability Outside of the McKinney Vento Act.
Published: 2007
Available from: Legal Center for Foster Care and Education
http://www.abanet.org/child/education/home.shtml
American Bar Association, Center on Children and the Law
740 15th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20005
Document available online at: http://www.abanet.org/child/education/Legal_Center_FC_%20Non-McKinney_State_Chart_FINAL.doc
Abstract: This is a chart of existing laws and policies that provide rights and protections to children in foster care to assist with school stability and continuity. Each state law and policy is broken down to highlight specific elements: the right to remain in the original school (school of origin); the right to transportation and the responsibility to provide it; the right to immediate enrollment in the new school when staying in the school of origin is not feasible or in the child's best interest; expedited record transfers to prevent any delay in enrollment; and a designated staff liaison to help the youth navigate the system. (Author abstract)

Title: Injuries and Death of Children at the Hands of Their Parents.
Author(s): Trocmé, Nico.;Lajoie, Jules.;Fallon, Barbara.;Felstiner, Caroline.
Published: 2007
Available from: Centre of Excellence for Child Welfare
http://cecw-cepb.ca/
Child Welfare League of Canada
226 Argyle Avenue

Ottawa, ON K2P 1B9, ON
Printable version (PDF): http://www.cecw-cepb.ca/files/file/en/Injuries57E.pdf
Abstract: This information sheet describes rates of physical harm documented in the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS) and rates of children killed by parents reported in the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics' Homicide Survey. The CIS is a national child maltreatment surveillance survey conducted for the Public Health Agency of Canada every five years by the universities of McGill, Toronto and Calgary. The first two national cycles of the study were conducted in 1998 and 2003. Information is collected directly from the investigating child welfare workers using a standard set of definitions. The CIS-2003 tracked a sample of 11,560 child maltreatment investigations as a basis for deriving national estimates, excluding Quebec. Child homicides are documented in Canada through the Homicide Survey maintained by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. The Homicide Survey tracks all homicides reported by police departments across the country. (Author abstract)

Title: When Should the State Cease Parenting?: Evidence from the Midwest Study.
Author(s): Courtney, Mark E.;Dworsky, Amy.;Pollack, Harold.
Published: 2007
Available from: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago
http://www.chapinhall.org
1313 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
Printable version (PDF): http://www.chapinhall.org/content_director.aspx?arid=1355&afid=404&dt=1
Abstract: This issue brief discuses how extending foster care past age 18 can benefit young adults.

Title: Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren.
Author(s): Maxwell, Danielle T.
Published: 2006
Available from: New America Foundation
http://www.newamerica.net/
1630 Connecticut Avenue, NW
7th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
Printable version (PDF): http://www.newamerica.net/files/WFPIssueBriefNo9.pdf
Abstract: This fact sheet discusses the number of grandparents who are assuming the primary caretaker role of their grandchildren. It cites statistics that indicate almost 42% of grandparents who are living with their grandchildren are the primary caretaker, and that almost 55% of grandparents have been their grandchildren's primary caregiver for three or more years. States with the most grandparent caregivers are identified, and characteristics of grandparent caregivers are described.

Title: SMARRT Manual : [Strategies Matrix Approach to Recruitment and Retention Techniques].
Author(s): Brittain, Charmaine.
Published: 2006
Available from: Butler Institute for Families
http://www.thebutlerinstitute.org/
University of Denver
Graduate School of Social Work
2148 S. High Street

Denver, CO 80208
Printable version (PDF): http://www.thebutlerinstitute.org/images/WRRRPFiles/SMARRT%20Manual%20Final%20Nov%2006.pdf
Abstract: The SMARRT Manual (Strategies Matrix Approach to Recruitment and Retention Techniques) is a tool to enhance capacity for more effective child welfare recruitment, selection, training, and retention practice. The manual includes research-based findings, as well as a wide range of experiential information and practical "how-to" information from published literature and internet sites. The purpose of the SMARRT Manual is to give child welfare professionals practical, hands-on tools and information, new ideas, and sufficient background information on complex topics to ask informed questions, know where to turn for additional resources, and begin the process of implementing these strategies in their own agencies. The SMARRT Manual is organized into four domains: recruitment, selection, training, and retention. Within each domain, conditions or factors that affect that domain are presented, along with strategies for addressing that condition. (Author abstract)

Title: Foster Care Reform Litigation Docket 2006.
Published: 2006
Available from: National Center for Youth Law
http://www.youthlaw.org/
405 14th Street, 15th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Document available online at: http://www.youthlaw.org/publications/fc_docket/
Printable version (PDF): http://www.youthlaw.org/fileadmin/ncyl/youthlaw/publications/fcrldocket06.pdf
Abstract: The 2006 Foster Care Reform Litigation Docket provides basic information on 71 child welfare reform cases nationwide that are currently in active litigation, a pending settlement agreement, or are significant in some other respect. The Docket also describes a small sampling of damages cases. The cases included in the Docket are restricted to those that involve factual allegations and legal claims addressing recurrent, systemic problems in a state or local child welfare system, and seek relief affecting children and families beyond the named plaintiffs. Damages cases listed in the Docket address systemic problems and likely had or will have an impact beyond the named plaintiff. In addition to being indexed by status, cases are indexed by alphabetical order, U.S. state, substantive topics, and procedural topics. Each case summary contains identifying information, citations, contact information for current plaintiffs' counsel, brief summaries of the issues raised by the case, procedural history, and the current status. Many cases include the Clearinghouse Review number, which allows access to all pleadings in the case. Otherwise, pleadings are available through the plaintiffs' attorneys, whose contact information is provided in the Docket. (Author abstract modified)

Title: The Economic Benefits of High-Quality Early Childhood Programs: What Makes the Difference?
Published: 2006
Available from: Committee for Economic Development (CED)
http://www.ced.org
2000 L Street NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Printable version (PDF): http://www.ced.org/images/library/reports/education/early_education/report_prek_galinsky.pdf
Abstract: The early childhood field is deeply indebted to three studies of high-quality early education programs that began in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s and have continued to the present time -- the High/Scope Perry Preschool Project, the Abecedarian Project, and the Chicago Child-Parent Centers (CPC) -- because these studies provide strong evidence of the economic benefits of early childhood education as an economic investment. Each of these studies looked at the lasting impact of its high-quality early childhood program and found significant savings over the costs of these programs. These studies, however, also reveal that potential economic benefits depend on programs being high quality. This paper is written in response to the tendency of a number of people to use the findings from these three studies to justify any and all early childhood programs without trying to extrapolate what these three studies specifically did that made a difference in affecting children in such dramatic ways. Even those who argue for high quality are likely to mean very different things when they use these words. This paper reflects an effort to determine what exactly about these three early childhood programs made them so successful, relying, in part, on interviews with the principal investigators of the programs. This paper will begin by asking: What do we know from the science of early learning and development that might explain why these three early childhood programs have had such lasting effects? The paper will then address the following questions for each of the three programs: What were the goals of each of these interventions? How were the interventions designed to address their goals? What did the programs for children look like? What were the teacher development programs like? What did other features of the interventions look like? What was the major research question that each of the interventions asked? How were the studies designed? What were some of the key findings of these inquiries, including their costs and benefits? And finally, the paper will ask: What did each of these three early childhood programs do at the time that has been most important in contributing to their remarkable and enduring effects? What are the benefits of targeted programs to reach those children most at risk versus universal programs? (Author abstract modified)

Title: Work-Plus: Boosting the Bottom Line for Low-Wage Working Parents.
Published: 2006
Available from: Family Strengthening Policy Center
http://www.nassembly.org/fspc
National Human Services Assembly
1319 F Street N.W.
Suite 402
Washington, DC 20004
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nassembly.org/fspc/practice/documents/Brief15.pdf
Abstract: This brief presents a "work-plus" strategy of employment-focused services and work supports that help low-wage parents secure and keep good jobs and gain economic independence. The brief includes case studies, resources, and recommendations for policy makers, employers, and community-based family service agencies. (Author abstract)

Title: Juvenile Sexual Offender Treatment: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Research. Final Report.
Author(s): Winokur, Marc.;Rozen, Desiree.;Batchelder, Keri.;Valentine, Deborah.
Published: 2006
Available from: Social Work Research Center (Colorado State University)
http://www.ssw.cahs.colostate.edu/centers_institutes/swrc/default.aspx
Fort Collins, CO
Printable version (PDF): http://www.ssw.cahs.colostate.edu/centers_institutes/swrc/files/JSOTSystematicReview.pdf
Abstract: There has been an increasing awareness of the etiology, occurrence, and impact of juvenile sexual aggression during the past 15 years (Kolko, Noel, Thomas, & Torres, 2004). However, social work research has not kept pace with the exponential growth of treatment options for these adolescents (Efta-Breitbach & Freeman, 2004b). Furthermore, much of the research on juvenile sexual offenders (JSO) is methodologically weak, which precludes the identification of best practices regarding treatment planning, outcome prediction, and innovative treatment procedures (Hanson, Broom, & Stephenson, 2004). To address this challenge, a systematic review of quantitative research on juvenile sexual offender treatment was conducted. The purpose was to provide practitioners and policymakers with evidence-based research to more effectively implement treatment programs for these youth. The systematic review employed a rigorous vetting process based on the standards developed by the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) in the Institute of Education Sciences. After a comprehensive electronic and manual search of the literature, quantitative studies conducted from 1995-2005 that examined the effect of treatment on juvenile sexual offender outcomes were assessed on the quality of their research designs and methods according to the WWC Study Design and Implementation Device. In the final stage of the review, meta-analyses were generated to calculate effect sizes for the recidivism outcomes in seven of the studies that merited inclusion into the evidence base. The average follow-up time for the seven studies was 6 years, while the average length of treatment was 16 months. Three of the studies were conducted in a community-based setting, three were in a residential setting, and one was in a correctional setting. According to the results, there is a small to moderate positive effect of treatment on the recidivism rates of JSO. Specifically, juveniles who complete a cognitive-behavioral treatment program are less likely to commit any re-offenses, sexual re-offenses, nonsexual violent re-offenses, or nonsexual nonviolent re-offenses than are juveniles who do not receive treatment, receive an alternative treatment, or do not complete treatment. However, these findings are limited by the sparse evidence base and are undermined by threats to the internal and external validity of the studies. For example, there are reservations that treated JSO were comparable to untreated JSO in the recidivism studies. Although these weaknesses may complicate the interpretation of the findings, several important implications for social work practice, policy, and research emerged from the systematic review. The primary recommendation for practitioners is to provide JSO with cognitive-behavioral treatment options within a continuum of care model. For example, community-based settings should be considered for the treatment of lower risk JSO. The main recommendation for policymakers is to enact developmentally appropriate standards for JSO that are not solely based on adult guidelines. Legislators also should provide the financial resources necessary for treatment providers, probation departments, and child welfare agencies to adequately deliver timely treatment programs and ongoing support services. Future research should be conducted on the mediating and moderating effects of different treatment modalities, settings, and intervention lengths. In addition, there is a need for more experimental, longitudinal, and predictive research on this topic. (Author abstract)

Title: National Needs Assessment and Knowledge Gaps Analysis Findings.
Author(s): Collins-Camargo, Crystal.
Published: 2006
Available from: National Quality Improvement Center on the Privatization of Child Welfare Services
http://www.uky.edu/SocialWork/qicpcw/
University of Kentucky
College of Social Work
Training Resource Center
1 Quality Street
Suite 700
Lexington, KY 40507
Printable version (PDF): http://www.uky.edu/SocialWork/qicpcw/documents/QICPCWKnowledgeGapsAnalysisFindings.pdf
Abstract: To identify the need for future demonstration projects and research topics, a study was conducted that investigated current knowledge and knowledge gaps about the challenges, successful strategies, lessons learned, and best practices in the privatization of child welfare services. Data was collected from the following sources: deliberation by members of the Quality Improvement Center for the Privatization of Child Welfare (QIC PCW) Advisory Board; key informant discussions with public child welfare administrators, targeted regional forums, individual, and targeted group discussions; and an extensive review of the literature of child welfare privatization. Findings from each methodology used by the QIC PCW is summarized to support the selection of the topical focus for the research and demonstration projects. Results from the study indicate four areas that seem to be of particular interest to the field: the effectiveness of performance-based contracting strategies in promoting the achievement of mandated child welfare outcomes, and sharing risk and accountability; the identification of contract monitoring mechanisms that best promote the assurance of quality service delivery and responsible program administration, and fiscal mechanisms that promote accountability while facilitating a true collaborative, public/private service delivery system; the examination of partnership dynamics that best yield smoothly functioning, responsive, and effective service delivery systems involving public/private partnership, and that accomplish appropriate levels of shared decision-making and accountability; and the development of appropriate levels of engagement of external entities, including the courts and community-based agencies, which enable inclusive and responsive service delivery systems. 2 tables.

Title: Manual for Domestic Violence Advocates: Negotiating Programs Administered Through the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Published: 2006
Available from: Greenbook Initiative
http://thegreenbook.ncjfcj.org/
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Family Violence Department
P.O. Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
Printable version (PDF): http://www.thegreenbook.info/documents/Manual_DVA.pdf
Abstract: The Department of Social Services (DSS) Advocacy Manual is a joint project of the St. Louis County Greenbook Initiative on Domestic Violence and Child Maltreatment and the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence, St. Louis Metropolitan Region. The manual covers the laws, policies and practices of the St. Louis County Children's Division and Family Support Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). It is designed by and for advocates of battered women so they can better assist women who are involved with DSS to negotiate the program or system in which they are involved. The three major program areas on which this manual focuses are Children's Division, Income Maintenance, and Child Support Enforcement. All three programs used to be within the Division of Family Services (DFS) of DSS. Recently, DSS was restructured and now Income Maintenance and Child Support Enforcement are within the Family Support Division, while Children's Division has become a division in and of itself. Because many of the cases referred to Children's Division have court involvement, a section on the portion of the Family Court of St. Louis County that deals with neglect and abuse cases is included in this Manual. (Author abstract)

Title: Linkages Planning Guide (Including, Linkages Tool Box).
Author(s): Karpilow, Kate.
Published: 2005
Available from: Child and Family Policy Institute of California (CFPIC)
http://www.cfpic.org/
925 L Street, Suite 350

Sacramento, CA 95814
Printable version (PDF): http://www.cfpic.org/linkages/pdfs/LinkagesPlanningGuide.pdf
Abstract: This Linkages Planning Guide gathers into one place the leadership strategies and tested tools of state, county, and nonprofit leaders who worked to re-engineer CalWORKs and Child Welfare Services (CWS) in 13 Pioneer Counties in the State of California. The four-year effort, known as the CalWORKs/Child Welfare Partnership Project, was funded by the Stuart Foundation, launched in partnership with the California Department of Social Services, and designed and directed by the California Center for Research on Women and Families (CCRWF). A second phase of the Partnership Project is now underway, directed by the Child and Family Policy Institute of California (CFPIC) and providing technical assistance to an additional 17 counties. The mission of the Partnership Project, also known as Linkages, has been to translate into practice the twin philosophy laid out by the visionary David Berns, former Director of Human Services in El Paso County, Colorado: that CalWORKs (or TANF) should serve as a child abuse prevention program, and that CWS should work to prevent poverty. For families involved in both CalWORKs and CWS, coordinated services can reduce the burdens of bureaucracy and can heighten opportunities for success. In the words of leaders from Merced County, Linkages helps "fight poverty and abuse." The Linkages Planning Guide is intended as a roadmap for county leaders making the decision whether or not to launch Linkages and as a resource for leaders in the 30 counties already implementing Linkages. To expedite the planning and implementation of Linkages programs -- and to enhance the likelihood that Linkages will be sustained over time, the Guide describes the field tested Linkages Work Plan Process which can help county leaders make decisions about policy, practice and administration -- the three Linkages Building Blocks. In many counties throughout California, Linkages has become "not a project, but a way of doing business," an approach to serving families that puts their needs first. This Planning Guide provides specific guidance and tools to change the service system; its fundamental purpose is to help county leaders provide the best possible services to families. (Author abstract)

Title: Funding for Children's Mental Health Services: Making the Most of Medicaid.
Published: 2005
Available from: NGA Center for Best Practices
http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.50aeae5ff70b817ae8ebb856a11010a0/
444 North Capitol Street, Suite 267
Washington, DC 20001-1512
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nga.org/cda/files/0501CHILDMENTALHEALTH.pdf
Abstract: Over 14 million children and adolescents in the United States, or one in five, have mental health disorders. These young people require appropriate mental health care designed to address their special needs, and to prevent and reduce further difficulties. Unfortunately, studies show that 75 to 85 percent of children with mental illnesses do not receive specialty mental health services, with most receiving no treatment at all. Privately-funded care often falls short of covering all necessary treatments, and out-of-pocket services are costly. Fortunately, publicly-funded services such as Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) are available to help many children in need. Still, certain Medicaid-related services and options are not used as effectively as they might be. In particular, Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT), Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, and the Tax Equity and Financial Responsibility Act (TEFRA) option are under-utilized. This is primarily because states are unfamiliar with or misinformed about the available options, or are concerned about costs associated with implementation. This Issue Brief focuses on the under-utilization of EPSDT, HCBS waivers and the TEFRA option. (Author abstract)

Title: Facing the Facts: Criminal Consequences of Child Abuse Homicides.
Author(s): Bynum, Brandy.;Howes, Kim.;Vitaglione, Tom.
Published: 2005
Available from: North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute
http://www.ncchild.org
311 E. Edenton St.
Raleigh, NC 27601-1017
Printable version (PDF): http://www.ncchild.org/images/stories/Facing_The_Facts.pdf
Abstract: This issue brief presents statistics on the number of child abuse fatalities in North Carolina and makes recommendations designed to achieve a balance between equity in cases that have similar circumstances, justice for the victims, and protection for other children that may be under the perpetrator's sphere of influence. Findings are shared from a study that investigated the final criminal justice outcomes for the 23 child abuse homicides that occurred in 1998. The findings indicate the criminal justice outcomes of child abuse homicides are quite variable. The need for better investigations and the need for an additional homicide statute are discussed.

Title: Envisioning Second-Order Change in America's Responses to Troubled and Troublesome Youth.
Author(s): Weithorn, Lois A.
Published: 2005
Journal Name: Hofstra Law Review
v. 33, 4, Summer 2005, p. 1305-1506
Available from: Hofstra University School of Law
http://law.hofstra.edu/Academics/Journals/LawReview/
Hofstra Law Review
121 Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY 11549
Printable version (PDF): http://www.hofstra.edu/PDF/law_lawrev_weithorn_vol33no4.pdf
Abstract: This Article examines and challenges our legal system's conventional patterns of response to troubled and troublesome youth. Following the introduction, Part II provides a brief overview of five modern child service and intervention systems: the health and mental health care systems, the child welfare system, the juvenile justice system, and the educational system. Part III introduces the population of interest -- "troubled and troublesome youth" -- a highly-diverse group of young persons who have been removed from their homes or who are at risk of such removal because of their own emotional difficulties, their troublesome conduct, or their parents' challenges in maintaining a safe or adequate home environment. Part V argues that our nation's high rates of out-of-home placements are incompatible with core traditions in American law valuing parent-child relationships and family integrity, freedom from unnecessary incarceration, and integration of those who are different into the mainstream of community life. Part V contends that modern legal responses to troubled and troublesome youth fail in their mandates to protect these children and to promote their positive development into well adjusted and constructively contributing members of society. Part VI examines efforts throughout the twentieth century to reform these systems, and in particular, to deinstitutionalize certain populations of children from one set of institutions or another. Part VII articulates a vision of a coordinated and responsive service system that provides effective and appropriate services to troubled and troublesome youth and their families. Part VII proposes a framework for legal policy reform that seeks to achieve second-order change through altering: (1) the structure of the intervention systems, and (2) the nature of the interventions provided to troubled and troublesome youth and their families. This model rejects traditions of removal, confinement, and segregation of troubled and troublesome youth in favor of approaches that foster positive adaptation of children within their natural systems, such as families, schools, and communities, and are concordant with our society's valuing of family relationships, liberty, and inclusion. Part VII proposes the development of "metasystem" capabilities that transcend current system boundaries and coordinate a state's responses to these children and families and allow access to a full range of universally available services at any point of entry. Finally, Part VII seeks to address the failures of past reforms by emphasizing integrated policymaking and intersystem coordination, and shifts in financial incentives that promote the articulated policy goals. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Kinship Care in the United States: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Research. Final Report.
Author(s): Winokur, Marc.;Rozen, Desiree.;Thompson, Stephen.;Green, Shawon.;Valentine, Deborah.
Published: 2005
Available from: Social Work Research Center (Colorado State University)
http://www.ssw.cahs.colostate.edu/centers_institutes/swrc/default.aspx
Fort Collins, CO
Printable version (PDF): http://www.ssw.cahs.colostate.edu/centers_institutes/swrc/files/KinshipCareSystematicReview.pdf
Abstract: During the past 15 years, child welfare professionals have witnessed a rapid increase in the number of children removed the home and placed with relatives (Cuddeback, 2004). However, social work research has not kept pace with the exponential growth of kinship care as a placement option (Berrick & Barth, 1994; Dubowitz, 1994). Furthermore, much of the research on kinship care is anecdotal and conjectural, which does not allow for evidence-based decisions to be drawn from comparisons of children in out-of-home care (Goerge, Wulczyn, & Fanshel, 1994). To address this limitation, a systematic review of quantitative research on kinship care in the United States was conducted. For this study, the child welfare outcomes were permanency, behavior problems, mental health service utilization, reentry, adaptive behaviors, family relations, mental health problems, and educational attainment.The systematic review followed a rigorous vetting process informed by the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards. After a comprehensive electronic and manual search of the kinship care literature, 1314 abstracts were reviewed, 190 articles and reports were acquired, and 74 eligible studies were assessed on the quality of their research designs and methods according to the WWC Study Design and Implementation Device. After data extraction using EPPI-Reviewer, 35 of the studies met the minimum inclusion criteria for the kinship care evidence base. Studies that did not qualify were deemed inadequate because of insufficient statistical reporting and non-equivalent group comparisons. In the final stage of the review, meta-analyses were conducted to calculate effect sizes for the outcomes represented by 23 of the studies in the evidence base, as the effect size estimates from the remaining 12 studies were not directly comparable. Overall, there are likely no harmful effects of kinship care on child welfare outcomes. According to the research, children in kinship care experience better outcomes in regard to behavior problems, reentry, adaptive behaviors, family relations, and mental health problems than do children in foster care. However, children placed with kin are less likely to achieve permanency and utilize mental health services. Although distinct trends were present for each outcome, the practical significance of these results is narrowed by the relatively small overall effect sizes. These findings also are undermined by numerous threats to the validity of studies in the kinship care evidence base. For example, the authors are somewhat unconfident that the outcome measures were properly defined, that children placed in kinship care were comparable to children placed in foster care, and that studies were free of events that happened concurrently with the intervention and may have confused its effects. Although these limitations complicate the interpretation of the results, several clear implications for social work practitioners and policymakers surfaced from the study. If the goal of kinship care is to lower reentry rates while improving the behavior, family relations, and mental health of children, then the evidence base is supportive. However, the findings do not support implementing kinship care solely to increase the permanency rates and service utilization of children in out-of-home placement. Finally, the systematic review answered some important questions about permanency outcomes for children in kinship care, but there still are major gaps in the literature regarding the safety and well-being of these children. (Author abstract)

Title: Homeless Young Adults Ages 18-24 : Examining Service Delivery Adaptations.
Author(s): Ammerman, Seth D.;Ensign, Josephine.;Kirzner, Rachel.;Meininger, Eric T.;Tornabene, Mary.;Warf, Curren W.;Zerger, Suzanne.;Post, Patricia.
Published: 2004
Available from: National Health Care for the Homeless Council
http://www.nhchc.org/
PO Box 60427
Nashville, TN 37206-0427
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nhchc.org/Publications/101905YoungHomelessAdults.pdf
Abstract: Young adults (ages 18-24) are especially vulnerable to homelessness. The estimated numbers of young adults who experience an episode of homelessness each year range from approximately 750,000 to 2 million, and are believed to be increasing; families as well as individuals are affected. To articulate and address some of the urgent issues facing these young adults, six seasoned clinicians and researchers working with displaced youth across the United States collaborated with staff from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council in developing this report. A recurring theme from these collaborative discussions is that individuals in the young adult/late adolescent phase of life present a unique and promising opportunity to prevent or arrest homelessness through early and comprehensive health and social service interventions. This report is organized around four main topics: health care, housing, education and employment, and social support. Following a brief description of service access barriers faced within each of these topics is a list of recommended short-and long-term strategies for overcoming them. In general, the safety net of services for individuals in need is geared towards adults, so many of the strategies presented offer methods for customizing existing services for younger individuals who may lack the life experience and resources adults commonly have. (Author abstract)

Title: The National Evaluation of the Welfare-to-Work Grants Program. Final report.
Author(s): Fraker, Thomas M.;Levy, Dan M.;Perez-Johnson, Irma;Hershey, Alan M.;Nightingale, Demetra S.;Olsen, Robert B.;Stapulonis, Rita A.
Published: 2004
Available from: Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)
http://aspe.hhs.gov/
Room 415F
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Av, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Document available online at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/wtw-grants-eval98/final04/index.htm
Printable version (PDF): http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/wtw-grants-eval98/final04/report.pdf
Abstract: The Welfare-to-Work (WtW) grants program was a large federally funded effort to help the most disadvantaged welfare recipients leave the rolls and become employed. As part of the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997, Congress provided $3 billion for WtW programs, eventually distributed to over 700 state and local grantees. Congress appropriated funds for fiscal years 1998 and 1999, and grantees were allowed five years to spend their funds. The intent of the grants program, administered at the national level by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), was to supplement the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grants to states, which had been authorized as part of the welfare reforms embodied in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). WtW funds were to support programs--especially those in high-poverty communities--to assist the least employable welfare recipients and noncustodial parents make the transition from welfare to work. The BBA mandated that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) evaluate the WtW grants program. This is the final in a series of reports on that evaluation. (Author abstract)

Title: 2004 National convening on youth permanence : brief summary / California Youth Permanency Project.
Published: 2004
Available from: California Permanency for Youth Project
http://www.cpyp.org/
663 13th Street, Suite 300
Oakland, CA 94612
Printable version (PDF): http://www.cpyp.org/Files/2004%20Convening%20Summary.doc
Abstract: The 2004 National Convening on Youth Permanence met in San Francisco on April 21-23, 2004. Attendees included a diverse group of stakeholders from national organizations, foundations, former foster youth, non-profits, and university researchers.

Title: Reversing the Failure of the Foster Care System.
Author(s): Krebs, Betsy.;Pitcoff, Paul.
Published: 2004
Journal Name: Harvard Women's Law Journal
v. 27, Spring 2004, p. 357-366
Available from: Harvard Journal of Law & Gender
www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/jlg/
Student Journals Office
Harvard Law School
1541 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Printable version (PDF): http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/jlg/vol27/krebs.pdf
Abstract: This Article first elaborates on the current dismal state of our foster care system and then describes our efforts to improve the social and legal services offered to these teens. It then outlines our concrete proposals to reverse the failure of our foster care system: raising expectations of foster teens, providing them education and opportunities to create life plans, and holding the foster care system accountable for the futures of the teens in its custody. (Author abstract)

Title: Reducing domestic violence : how the healthy marriage initiative can help.
Author(s): Pardue, Melissa G.;Rector, Robert.
Published: 2004
Available from: Heritage Foundation
http://www.heritage.org
214 Massachusetts Ave., NE,
Washington, DC 20002
Printable version (PDF): http://www.heritage.org/Research/Family/upload/60606_1.pdf
Abstract: This report explains how President Bush's proposed Healthy Marriage Initiative would reduce domestic violence. The initiative would provide $300 million in federal and State Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) money to State-level programs that promote marriage and marriage-skills training, particularly among low-income and fragile families. The report begins by discussing the primary target populations and goals of the program, and then answers erroneous criticisms of the initiative. It stresses that participation in the program is voluntary and will not cause women to stay in abusive relationships. Data from the Fragile Families Survey is shared on the characteristics of low-income parents and indicates: the median age for women having children out of wedlock is 22; roughly half of unmarried mothers were cohabiting with the child's father at the time of the baby's birth and nearly 75% were romantically involved with the father at the time of the child's birth; very few unmarried fathers had drug or alcohol problems and about 98% had been employed during the prior year; 73% of mothers and 88% of fathers believed that they had at least a 50-50 chance of marrying each other in the future; and among all the unmarried couples in the Fragile Families Survey, the domestic violence rate was 4%. The benefits of marriage as a protective institution that decreases the risk of domestic abuse and violent crime are explained, and research results on the success of marriage strengthening programs are discussed. 17 references.

Title: Understanding the Child Welfare System in California: A Primer for Service Providers and Policymakers.
Author(s): Reed, Diane F.;Karpilow, Kate.
Published: 2002
Available from: California Center for Research on Women and Families (CCRWF)
http://www.ccrwf.org/
c/o PHI
555 12th Street, 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607-4046
Printable version (PDF): http://www.ccrwf.org/publications/ChildWelfarePrimer.pdf
Abstract: On any given day in California, 131,000 children and youth are involved in the public child welfare system. Each year, over 500,000 children -- six percent of the state's population under age 18 -- come to the attention of child welfare officials because of reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. How many of us have a basic understanding of the laws and programs set up to care for these children? This Primer aims to orient service providers to the building blocks and key issues of the public child welfare system. The Primer is also intended to educate local and state policymakers responsible for crafting public policy. There is considerable need for professionals in many fields to understand the many facets of the child welfare system, particularly as many of California's counties move to coordinate services to high-risk families. In addition to highlighting the major laws, programs, and financing mechanisms, the Primer describes the four services required in each county child welfare agency (Emergency Response, Family Maintenance, Family Reunification, and Permanent Placement) and outlines the juvenile dependency court process. The Primer also reports the reasons that children are involved in the system and describes the children's backgrounds. Looking to the future, the Primer summarizes key challenges facing child welfare professionals and policymakers, ranging from improving data management and evaluating outcomes to assessing the shortage of foster care families. (Author abstract)

Title: Community Partnerships for Child Protection : The Challenge of Changing CPS Practice and Culture.
Author(s): Vincent, Paul.
Published: 2002
Available from: Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group
http://www.childwelfaregroup.org/
428 East Jefferson Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Printable version (PDF): http://www.childwelfaregroup.org/documents/CPSCUL.pdf
Abstract: The four public child protection systems that are implementing the Edna McConnell Clark's Initiative, Community Partnerships for Child Protection, are experiencing steady successes in changing the day to day practice of their staff and the organizational culture in which they exist. By thinking strategically about the institutional barriers within their organizations and the environmental barriers external to their systems, sites are identifying and addressing the complex landscape of organizational culture issues, new practice methodologies, structural change, community and neighborhood partnerships and honest self-evaluation. Throughout the evolution of the Initiative, the Foundation, site leaders and technical assistance providers have expanded their awareness of the many challenges that must addressed for meaningful community partnerships to improve the quality of child protection and achieve the effort's goals. In no part of these four sites is the urgency for change more critical and essential than in the public CPS agency. The array of steps and strategies to be undertaken by the CPS agencies is identified in the written design of the Initiative's change strategy, site proposals and reports, technical assistance papers and most important, found in problem solving discussions of the CPS leaders as well. The following abstract of those thoughts and designs is intended to summarize the major planning steps to be accomplished in realizing the vision of creating a system of effective community partnerships for child protection. (Author abstract)

Title: Given the Nature of Family Centers, How Can We Craft a Meaningful Evaluation?
Author(s): Stephens, S. A.
Published: 2000
Available from: Center for Assessment and Policy Development
http://www.capd.org
1622 Riverside Drive
Trenton, NJ 08618
Printable version (PDF): http://www.capd.org/pubfiles/pub-2000-02-01.pdf
Abstract: This report discusses the challenges involved in evaluating family centers and proposes strategies for designing an effective evaluation. It begins by describing the different purposes of family centers, and the assumptions that are made about participation and outcomes that underlie most program evaluation strategies. The special nature of family center work is highlighted, as well as the critical nature of the services and programs family centers provide. The report then explores how families change, the participation of families in family centers, and the relationship between family participation and family change. The following section of the report describes how evaluations should be designed to fully capture the individual, community, and system effects and benefits of family centers. It lists critical components of a family center evaluation and key areas that need to be evaluated. Strategies for ensuring family centers can effectively take part in the evaluation are also discussed. A list of additional resources on family centers and family center evaluations is provided.

Title: Financing Family Resource Centers : A Guide to Funding Sources and Strategies.
Author(s): Watson, Sara.;Westhiemer, Miriam.
Published: 2000
Available from: Finance Project
http://www.financeproject.org/
1401 New York Avenue, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.financeproject.org/Publications/family_resource_centers.pdf
Abstract: The purpose of this guide is to both inform and encourage those who run family resource centers and those who fund FRCs. It aims to do so by giving them information and tools to improve the financing of individual centers and whole systems, and by encouraging them to follow that course. It does so with the understanding that the best possible solutions will emerge when FRC staff, family members and funders work together to create the conditions necessary for families to thrive. The guide does not prescribe a particular package of financing strategies for a center or network of centers. Rather, it aims to help FRC staff and funders make their own decisions about what is best for their center and their community. Following an introduction in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 describes FRC characteristics and their implications for financing. Chapter 3 outlines principles and strategies for effective financing for both policymakers and FRC staff. Chapter 4 describes current sources of financing for FRCs. Chapter 5 discusses critical financing issues. And Chapters 6 and 7 offer ideas for both FRCs and funders on how to improve the financing environment for family resource centers. (Author abstract)

Title: Learning from Leaders :Welfare Reform Politics and Policy in Five Midwestern States.
Author(s): Weissert, Carol S.
Published: 2000
Available from: Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government
http://www.rockinst.org/
411 State Street
Albany, NY 12203-1003
Abstract: This book profiles the development and implementation of welfare reforms in five Midwestern States following the passage of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Chapters describe and analyze reforms in Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Data is drawn from a research project conducted in 1997 that examined how 20 States have implemented the new welfare reform programs. Interviews were held with political and administrative leaders in State and local governments, State documents were reviewed, and case studies were conducted of two local sites within each State. The text discusses implementation choices as well as difficulties and success in carrying out reform decisions. Chapters also analyze the role of political parties, interest groups, foundations, think tanks, and academics in setting agendas and formulating policy. A concluding chapter explores political control and accountability in welfare reform, the impact of new welfare, and new demands on government for building and maintaining institutions. Numerous references.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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