While ensuring safety and permanency for children is critical in child welfare practice, the field is increasingly focusing on the importance of well-being and the interventions that promote the well-being of children and youth. If you would like to learn more about indicators and ways to improve child and youth well-being, use these resources.
21st Century Child Well-Being System
Casey Family Programs
Offers resources related to reforming the child welfare system into one that begins with valuing, investing in, and supporting families to help parents and children thrive. By addressing the needs of families before there is a crisis, the child welfare system can help reduce involvement with child protective services.
Child Well-Being
Rand Corporation
Provides resources and information on a variety of topics related to child well-being, including child abuse and neglect, trauma, access to social services, coping skills, and more.
Common Indicators of Social-Emotional Well-Being in Early Childhood
ChildTrends (2018)
Presents service providers with 130 common indicators of social-emotional well-being in early childhood, a social-ecological framework for prevention, and additional well-being resources such as worksheets.
Early Development & Well-Being
Zero to Three
Provides materials on bonding, healthy development, and other indicators of well-being for children ages three and under.
Key Indicators of a Child's Well-Being
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children & Families, Children’s Bureau (2020)
Provides a definition of child well-being and reviews indicators of child well-being around physical health, safety, mental health, emotional development, education, learning, relationships, and social behavior.