The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requires each State to create citizen review panels (CRPs) to meet quarterly and report annually on efforts to ensure that the State is in compliance with child protection requirements. CRPs vary in design and function. When establishing CRPs, States may choose to use existing entities, such as child fatality panels or foster care review panels, to meet the CAPTA requirement, or establish new panels. Panel members must be volunteers and include those who have expertise in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect and may include adult former victims of child abuse or neglect. Panels review policies, procedures, and practices; State agencies must respond to panel recommendations for system and practice improvement. Resources in this section, which include State and local examples, focus on the operation of CRPs, including development, preparation and support of members, guidelines, and studies of effectiveness.
CAPTA Citizen Review Panels Tip Sheets
National Child Abuse and Neglect Technical Assistance and Strategic Dissemination Center (2017)
Provides seven tip sheets on topics related to CAPTA Citizen Review Panels, including an overview, working with child welfare agencies, communicating with external groups, using data to enhance work, and more.
Citizen Participation in Child Welfare: Challenges and Benefits (PDF - 484 KB)
Baumann (2014)
Public Administration Review, 74(5)
American Society for Public Administration.
Offers commentary from a regional child welfare director on the challenges and benefits of citizens working with State child welfare agencies to improve outcomes.
State and local examples
California's Citizen Review Panels
Big Picture Research and Consulting
Provides information on California's three citizen review panels which are focused on prevention of child abuse and neglect, child and family services for those involved with the child welfare system, and critical incidents.
District of Columbia Citizen Review Panel
District of Columbia Citizen Review Panel for Child Abuse and Neglect (2018)
Provides information on the District of Columbia Citizen Review Panel, current and past projects, upcoming events, and local and national resources.
New York State Review Panels for Child Protective Services
New York State Review Panels for Child Protective Services (2015)
Provides Federal and State laws governing citizen review panels, additional resources and materials on panels, annual reports, and case-specific questions.
Pennsylvania Citizen Review Panels
University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work
Details information on Pennsylvania’s citizen review panels, annual reports, national resources, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Wyoming Citizen Review Panel (WYCRP)
Wyoming Citizen Review Panel
Provides information on WYCRP’s purpose, history, and unique focus on prevention programs, including Parents as Teachers, the Wyoming Child Death Review and Prevention Team, and the Children’s Justice Task Force.