The resources in this section describe family-centered child welfare agency philosophies and how to develop agency mission and vision statements, and they explore policy formation for government agencies.
Philosophy
Changing the Culture of the Workplace
Milner (2003)
Describes the Children's Bureau's vision of how States can embark on changing the culture of the child welfare agency workplace to create family-centered, community-based systems that provide individualized services and strengthen the capacity of parents to provide for their children's needs.
Community Partnerships Offer a Means for Changing Frontline Child Welfare Practice (PDF - 390 KB)
Anderson (Ed.) (2005)
SafeKeeping, Spring
Highlights what child welfare agencies need to move a vision of community partnership from theory to practice.
Family-Centered Child Welfare Practice: A Resource Manual for Child Welfare Workers, Administrators, and Educators
Tollefson (1999)
View Abstract
An overview of family-centered practice and practical techniques for applying the family-centered approach.
Guiding Principles of Systems of Care
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Describes guiding principles of systems of care and offers links to resources about interagency collaboration; individualized strengths-based care; cultural competence; child, youth, and family involvement; community-based services; and accountability as defined by organizations and child welfare experts.
An Individualized, Strengths-Based Approach in Public Child Welfare Driven Systems of Care
National Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center for Systems of Care (2008)
Discusses the importance of establishing policies and practices that promote and facilitate an individualized, strengths-based approach when working with children and families involved with child welfare.
Learning From Families: Identifying Service Strategies for Success (PDF - 480 KB)
Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health (2002)
Family success occurs when systems of care focus on the entire family, meet families "where they are," and emphasize the connection between family and community. This report emphasizes the importance of strong bonds between families and providers.
Parent Involvement in Family Support Programs: An Integrated Theory
McCurdy & Daro (2001)
Family Relations, 50(2)
View Abstract
Outlines a conceptual model of parental involvement in family support programs anchored in ecological and family systems frameworks, and explores factors that influence parental decisions to enroll and remain in support programs.
Mission/vision
Making a Mission Statement a Reality in Child Welfare: Resiliency and Solution-Focused Therapy as Core Strategy
Anderson & Sundet (2006)
Professional Development: The International Journal of Continuing Social Work Education, 9(2)
View Abstract
Describes how one child welfare agency implemented a strengths-based mission over a 3-year period and the impact of this change on caseworkers' attitudes and performance.
Managing by Objectives
Scott (2005)
In The Concise Handbook of Management: A Practitioner's Approach
View Abstract
Provides strategies for managing organizations through goal-setting. A three-step process is described: create a vision, decide on a mission, and break the mission down into achievable objectives.
The Results of a Management Redesign: A Case Study of a Private Child Welfare Agency (PDF - 289 KB)
Ezell, Casey, Pecora, Grossman, Friend, et al. (2002)
Administration in Social Work, 26
Reports on the restructuring of a large, private, nonprofit child welfare agency, describing the change objectives, the process of planning and implementing the changes, and the impact of the changes.
Strategic Planning Workbook for Nonprofit Organizations
Barry (2005)
View Abstract
Helps nonprofit organizations develop a strategic plan. This workbook provides information on developing a vision; finding a balance for the organization's mission, outside opportunities, and internal capabilities; and the benefits and limitations of a strategic plan.
Policy
Government, Knowledge and the Business of Policy Making: The Potential and Limits of Evidence-Based Policy
Mulgan (2005)
Evidence and Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice, 1
View Abstract
Provides information on government policy formation, information systems management, and information systems.
Policy Component Analysis: A Method for Identifying Problems in Policy Implementation
Williams (2004)
Journal of Social Service Research, 30
View Abstract
Describes research findings generated by the policy component analysis method, which allows managers and employees to target very specific aspects of agency policy that needed revision and improvement.
Protecting the Youngest: The Role of Early Care and Education in Preventing and Responding to Child Maltreatment (PDF - 239 KB)
National Conference of State Legislatures (2007)
Discusses policy options for States to consider to support early care and education programs in protecting young children and preventing abuse and neglect.
Putting Children at the Center of Policy Development
Hanna & Mason (2010)
Highlights international efforts to implement child impact assessments and makes the case for performing child impact assessments in the United States.
A Risk and Resilience Framework for Child, Youth, and Family Policy (PDF - 202 KB)
Jenson & Fraser (2011)
In Social Policy for Children and Families: A Risk and Resilience Perspective (2nd ed.)
Reviews policy and program responses to childhood and adolescent problems and outlines a public health policy framework based on risk, protection, and resilience.
Rulemaking: How Government Agencies Write Law and Make Policy
Kerwin (2003)
View Abstract
Explains process of rulemaking in U.S. government agencies.