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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Advancing Equity and Inclusion Through the Child and Family Services Reviews
Find guidance on how to incorporate equity and inclusion into all phases of the Child and Family Services Reviews—from the statewide assessment to the Program Improvement Plan—to accurately assess, identify, and address system-wide improvement needs. ...Read More
CFSR Connections and Integration Tool
Review a tool to help States prepare for Round 4 of the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs) while incorporating lessons learned in prior system improvement efforts and while integrating CFSR planning with other Federal and State processes.
Child & Family Services Reviews (CFSRs)
Find information on periodic reviews of state child welfare systems, to ensure conformity with federal regulations, determine family involvement, assist states in achieving positive outcomes, and provide assistance to address areas of improvement.
Round 4 Resources
Find resources for planning for, conducting, and participating in the Child and Family Services Reviews process; analyzing and understanding the results; and planning for program improvement and continuous quality improvement.
Lessons Learned From the Child and Family Services Review Rounds 1 - 3
Review lessons learned from the first three rounds of the Child and Family Services Reviews, focus on what may be beneficial to apply for future cycles, and learn six key strategies for States as they begin the planning process for the next round.
Round 4 of the CFSRs
Find detailed information and overview of Round 4 of the Child and Family Services Reviews, various guidance documents, factsheets, policies, and data for the review process.
Child and Family Services Reviews Stakeholder Interview Guide
Learn about conducting stakeholder interviews as part of the Child and Family Services Reviews to collect the information needed to determine a State’s conformity with Federal requirements.
Engaging Young People With Lived Experience in the CFSRs: Key Considerations, Roles, and Recommendations
Summarizes the results of focus groups with youth with lived experience in child welfare and describes methods and considerations for engaging young people in the Child and Family Services Reviews.
Child and Family Services Reviews: Guiding Principles, Framework, and Tools for the Statewide Assessment Process
Read a document that offers guiding principles along with a suggested framework and additional resources that states are able to utilize while they're completing a quality statewide assessment for the Child and Family Services Reviews.