|
Home > Highlights > Engaging Families > Engaging Families in Systems Reform
Engaging Families in Systems Reform
Obtaining the perspectives of families by involving them in evaluating child welfare services and programs is a critical first step in identifying how services are affecting families. Empowering families to take leadership roles and contribute to decision-making and program planning is key to ensuring that child welfare system reform efforts will ultimately improve outcomes for the children and families being served. The following resources provide information on engaging families in systems change and strategies for promoting shared leadership, including State and local examples.
Families as Evaluators: Annotated Bibliography of Resources in Print
Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health (2004)
View Abstract
Summarizes references about family, community, and consumer participation in research and evaluation.
Family-Centered Community Building (PDF - 92 KB)
National Human Services Assembly (2005)
Explores a process of engaging family members and other stakeholders in sustained collaborative efforts to strengthen and improve conditions for families with children in an identified geographic area.
Family Engagement in Evaluation: Lessons Learned (PDF - 63 KB)
Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (2004)
Discusses the benefits of family participation in the evaluation of social services, common objections, and lessons learned from including families in program evaluation.
“Nothing About Me”: Leading the Way to Collaborative Relationships With Families
O'Connor, Morgenstern, Gibson, & Nakashian
Child Welfare, 84(2), 2005
View Abstract
Discusses an evidence-based, community-driven intervention program for children and families in the child welfare system whose lives have been adversely affected by substance abuse.
The Other Side of the Desk: Honoring Diverse Voices and Restoring Effective Practice in Child Welfare and Family Services (PDF - 335 KB)
FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Programs (2006)
Describes a process for parent engagement that emphasizes mutual understanding about family experiences within the child welfare system, the perspective of child welfare professionals, and the influence of each party on the other. Also outlines the logistics of meetings between family members, child welfare workers, and representatives of public agencies that serve families.
Resident Engagement and Leadership to Improve Results for Children and Youth, Families and Communities: An International Toolkit (PDF - 1150 KB)
International Initiative for Children, Youth, and Families & Center for the Study of Social Policy (2004)
Effective practices in community engagement from initiatives around the world.
Self-Governance in Communities and Families
Jordan Institute for Families (2000)
View Abstract
Explains the benefits of self-governance and describes how social institutions can use discussions to engage citizens in planning.
Shared Leadership in Action Newsletter
Parents Anonymous® Inc. & the Stuart Foundation
Published from 2002 to 2004, this newsletter provides information and strategies for implementing child welfare system reform through meaningful parent leadership and shared leadership.
Who Wants to Know?: Tips for Involving Stakeholders in Your Program Evaluation (PDF - 172 KB)
Hosley (2005)
Lists key questions that need to be asked to better involve stakeholders in program evaluations and discusses strategies for directly involving stakeholders in designing the evaluation.
(Back to Top)
State and local examples
California Child Welfare Services Stakeholder Group
Examines current processes and outcomes of the public child welfare services program in California and determines the desired directions and goals for the program. Members represent a wide variety of interested parties and a culturally diverse population.
Child Welfare Organizing Project
A parent/professional partnership dedicated to public child welfare reform in New York City through increased, meaningful parent involvement in service and policy planning.
Idaho Governor's Task Force on Children at Risk
A nonpartisan, broadly representative organization with concerns related to children at risk in Idaho, dedicated to providing informed recommendations to the Governor regarding child abuse and neglect.
Oregon Child Welfare Advisory Committee
A legislatively mandated committee that counsels the Oregon Department of Human Services on the development and administration of policies, programs, and practices. Members include recipients of assistance or service.
Parent Engagement in State Policy and Planning: A Directory of Opportunities for Parents to Get Involved in State Policy and Planning (PDF - 145 KB)
Rhode Island Kids Count (2004)
An inventory of State agency efforts to involve parents in the design, implementation, evaluation, and oversight of policy and programs that affect children and families in Rhode Island.
(Back to Top)
|
