The Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs) ensure conformity with Federal child welfare requirements; gauge the experiences of children, youth, and families receiving State child welfare services; and assist child welfare agencies as they enhance their capacity to help families achieve positive outcomes. States are required to submit Program Improvement Plans when their child welfare services are determined to be out of conformity on any of the seven outcomes or seven systemic factors assessed.  

Round 4 guidance from the Children’s Bureau emphasizes the need to create more effective and equitable CFSRs by paying particular attention to the experiences of those who are marginalized and are more likely to experience disparate outcomes.

During round 4 of the CFSR and moving forward, there will be a heightened focus on using data and evidence to identify disparities in services and outcomes, understand how child welfare programs and policies may contribute to disparities, and inform and develop systemic improvements. Engaging diverse families and young people with lived experience and other child welfare system partners is part of the CFSRs.  

Use the resources on this page to learn more about the implementation of the CFSRs.

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