Engaging diverse families, youth, and young people with lived experience as well as other child welfare system partners is part of the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs) process. The child welfare system is most effective in improving outcomes for children, youth, and families when all partners have a role in contributing to its design and operation. Meaningfully engaging individuals with lived expertise, particularly those who may be at risk of negative outcomes, is vital to the process and can help ensure that agencies are providing equitable services to all children, youth, and families. Voices from a broad array of individuals within various partner groups should be used to inform the CFSRs process, including the Statewide Assessment, case-level interviews, partner interviews, Program Improvement Plan development and implementation, and more.
Find the resources you need to get started. Visit Engaging Diverse Individuals, Perspectives, and Partners in Child Welfare to find information to support your efforts to effectively engage those with lived experience in the CFSRs and other strategic planning efforts.
Advancing Equity and Inclusion Through the Child and Family Services Reviews
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau (2022)
Presents 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 systemwide improvement needs. The resource provides a free PDF file download.
Child and Family Services Reviews Stakeholder Interview Guide
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2022)
Provides a guide to 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
CFSR Information Portal
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.