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Overview of the CFSRs

The Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs) enable the Children's Bureau to monitor State child welfare agency practice for conformity with Federal child welfare requirements, to gauge the experiences of children and families receiving State child welfare services, and to assist States build capacity to help children and families achieve positive outcomes.

The following resources provide background on the CFSRs and legislation and policy related to the CFSRs.

• Background on the CFSRs
• Legislation and policy related to the CFSRs

Background on the CFSRs

About the Child and Family Services Review
National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning Offers a variety of resources on the CFSRs, including a technical assistance brochure.

Child and Family Services Reviews
Information from the Children's Bureau includes background on the reviews, information for reviewers, and reports and results.

FAQs: The Child and Family Services Review (PDF - 28 KB)
FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP)
General process questions on the CFSRs.

Managing Care for Children and Families: Vol. III, No. 2 (PDF - 738 KB)
(2001)
Explains the CFSR process.

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Legislation and policy related to the CFSRs

Child and Family Services Reviews Legislation/Policy
Information about legislation and policy related to the CFSRs, including final rules, press releases, and policy issuances.

Child Welfare Final Rule
Information from the January 25, 2000, Federal Register on the Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews and the Child and Family Services State Plan Reviews; Final Rule.

Child Welfare Final Rule Executive Summary
An overview of the Final Rule issued on January 25, 2000.

Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM)
Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Contains mandatory policies relating specifically to the Child and Family Services Reviews. The CWPM also provides interpretations of Federal statutes and program regulations initiated by inquiries from State child welfare agencies or ACF Regional Offices.

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Updated on November 19, 2008