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 following 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 focus on the operation of CRPs, including development, preparation and support of members, guidelines, and studies of effectiveness.
California's Citizen Review Panels
Big Picture Research and Consulting
Provides information on California's three citizen review panels, which focus on prevention of child abuse and neglect, child and family services for those involved with the child welfare system, and critical incidents.
Citizen Review Panel
State of Alaska (2019)
Presents information on Alaska's citizen review panel, including information on membership, duties of the panel, resources, news, and more.
Citizen Review Panel Tip Sheet Series
National Child Abuse and Neglect Technical Assistance and Strategic Dissemination Center, Children’s Bureau (2016)
- CAPTA Citizen Review Panels 101
View Abstract and Document
Describes the purpose and operations of CRPs, including how these promote positive child welfare outcomes.
- Working Successfully with Child Welfare Agencies
View Abstract and Document
Discusses key barriers to creating collaborative citizen review panels, as well as methods for mitigating these barriers to community involvement in child welfare practice.
- Recruitment and Retention of Members
View Abstract and Document
Explains key considerations for the recruitment and retention of diverse and engaged citizen review panels. Select recommendations include actively managing group dynamics and setting clear expectations for participation.
- Structures that Support CRP Success
View Abstract and Document
Supports the development of organizational systems, including by-laws and membership application, in order to facilitate the development and maintenance of effective citizen review panels.
- Preparing Your Annual Report
View Abstract and Document
Presents recommendations for the development of informative and visually appealing annual reports, which are a required product for active citizen review panels.
- Communicating with External Groups
View Abstract and Document
Presents strategies to support collaboration between citizen review panels and other key child welfare stakeholders.
- Using Data to Enhance the Work of CRPs
View Abstract and Document
Explains essential considerations in the collection, interpretation, and communication of quantitative information for citizen review panel evaluations.
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.