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Summarizes the importance of obtaining as much thorough and accurate medical, genetic, and social history information as possible about prospective adoptive children. This factsheet addresses the questions prospective adoptive parents should ask their adoption agency, reasons some information may not be available, and where to find more information.

This Guide is designed to help you prepare your new caseworkers to participate in their Core training, enable them to successfully complete all the Common Core training components, and then to transfer what they learned in the Common Core to their job in your district/agency. The guide: (1) Describes the step-by-step process of preparation for and participation in the Common Core training, including the use of computer-based training and iLinc components; (2) Provides required on-the-job (OJT)/field training and transfer of learning (TOL) activities necessary for trainees to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom on the job; and (3) Provides tools to evaluate trainees' progress throughout their classroom and OJT/field training experiences. The guide is divided into 9 sections, plus the Appendices. The sections are:1. Development Process for New Child Welfare Caseworkers; 2. Common Core Training Overview Chart; 3. Review of Pre-, Mid- and Post-Core Caseworker Development Team Conference Process; 4. Common Core Training Performance Expectations and Guidelines; 5. Protocol for Administering the Common Core Pre-Test; 6. Computer-Based Training Components; 7. On-the-Job/Field Training Tasks; 8. Initial Child Welfare Caseworker Job Readiness Self-Assessment; and 9. Child Welfare Caseworker Job Readiness Review. (Author abstract modified)

In recent years, systems of care principles have been increasingly adopted because of their potential to support efforts to improve child welfare and other human service systems in ways that lead to increased safety, permanency, and well-being for children, adolescents, and their families. However, while the systems of care approach has become more widespread, a clear understanding of what defines a system of care and how it operates has not kept pace. This issue of A Closer Look defines systems of care and discusses how the approach might be best applied in public child welfare settings. (Author abstract)