This section examines how agencies and community members can work together to monitor and improve child welfare agency services and outcomes for children and families involved with the child welfare system.
8 Ways to Engage Your Community
National Responsible Fatherhood Capacity Building Initiative (2008)
View Abstract and Document
Discusses eight strategies for engaging a community in a program.
Building Community Partnerships: Step by Step (PDF - 512 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2005)
Explores the benefits of community partnerships and provides a framework for transition toward enhanced community partnerships. The report includes practical strategies, suggestions, and examples of community collaboratives.
Building the Future of Family Involvement
Harvard Family Research Project
Evaluation Exchange, 14(1&2), 2008
Examines the current state of and future directions for the family involvement field in research, policy, and practice.
Community Building and 21st Century Child Welfare
Hornberger & Briar-Lawson (Eds.)
Child Welfare, 84, 2005
View Abstract
Presents models of community-building initiatives and other examples that advance knowledge and practices in the field.
Community Partnerships for Protecting Children Initiative
Center for the Study of Social Policy
Strives to protect children and support families through improved agency and community collaboration, national and State policy, child welfare reform, and promoting racial equality. The website provides information on communities involved, key strategies, and program evaluation.
Family-Centered Community Building (PDF - 380 KB)
National Human Services Assembly (2005)
Explores a process for engaging family residents and other stakeholders in collaborative efforts to strengthen and improve conditions for families with children, including a discussion of advantages, case studies, and State and local policy recommendations.
Families Gaining Their Seat at the Table: Family Engagement Strategies in the First Round of Child and Family Services Reviews and Program Improvement Plans (PDF - 1370 KB)
Munson & Freundlich (2008)
Provides an overview of States' use of family engagement strategies as identified in the first round of the CFSRs and PIPs.
| Author(s) | National Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center for Systems of Care |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 1,001KB) |
| Year Published | 2008 |
Making Connections
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Improves outcomes for vulnerable children by strengthening their families' connections to economic opportunity, positive social networks, and effective services and supports. Agencies work in full partnership with residents, community organizations, local government, businesses, and funders.