The following resources examine aspects of contracting with private agencies to provide child welfare services and include State and local examples.
Administering Services and Managing Contracts: The Dual Role of Government Human Services Officials
Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 29(3)
Krauskopf & Chen (2010)
View Abstract
Discusses the increased use of nonprofit service providers by government agencies, as well as the dual role government agencies play while managing their providers.
Dollars and Sense: A Guide to Achieving Adoptions Through Public-Private Contracting (PDF - 762 KB)
AdoptUsKids (2007)
Provides public and private agency program managers, supervisors, and contract managers information to facilitate the purchase of interjurisdictional adoption services.
Preparing Effective Contracts in Privatized Child Welfare Systems
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008)
Places current contracting issues in a historical context and describes the varied decisions that must be made with the provider community during the procurement or contract renewal process.
Using Private Contracts to Create Adoptions From Foster Care (PDF - 187 KB)
Hansen (2007)
Explores how the organization of the delivery of social services to waiting children and prospective adoptive families influences adoptions.
State and local examples
Implementing Performance Management and Enabling Partnership in Child Welfare
Philadelphia Department of Human Services & Fels Institute of Government (2006)
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Discusses the partnership between the Philadelphia Department of Human Services and the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. It is focused on developing and implementing reforms to the child welfare system in Philadelphia.