Child Welfare

Improving Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Care

Entering and navigating the child welfare system can be stressful and confusing for young people separated from their families. It can be even more challenging for young people who are parents, are pregnant, or are expecting. Expectant and parenting youth … Read More

Adoption and Guardianship for Children in Kinship Foster Care

The laws dictating how adoption and guardianship are granted, by which court, and what those options entail are developed at the state and tribal levels, so the intricacies for obtaining these legal relationships differ. The Brief The brief provides general … Read More

Judicial, Court, and Attorney Measures of Performance (JCAMP) Volume V: Background and Research

Developed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges – Capacity Building Center for Judges Introduction In 2021, the Children’s Bureau funded the Capacity Building Center for Courts (CBCC) to develop a set of child welfare court, judicial, … Read More

Improving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Through a Race Equity Lens: A Toolkit For Juvenile and Family Court Judges

Introduction This toolkit is designed to equip juvenile and family court judges with effective strategies and tangible action plans for enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within the court system. Drawing on a trauma-informed perspective, the toolkit aims to … Read More

ADVANCING EQUITABLE OUTCOMES IN CHILD WELFARE

INTRODUCTION Formed in 1997, the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) national network model accelerates transformational change. One key decade-long movement has been LSA’s implementation of learning collaboratives that target systemic changes in the welfare of all, from children to older … Read More

6 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress for Families With Special Needs

The holidays are packed with fun, food, festivities and for some of us, stress. For families with special needs, the unfamiliar sounds, smells and visitors can sometimes be disruptive. Minimize your stress this holiday season with six simple strategies for … Read More

Inclusion: Always in Season

With the holiday season in full swing, many companies will be gathering employees to celebrate the year past and toast to success in the one ahead. When planning such parties—whether around the holidays or any time of year—it is important … Read More

FROM EFFICACY TO EFFECTIVENESS: Community Health Workers, Medical Homes for Children,and the Measurement Systems to Support Them

Introduction: Why community health workers matter to child health practice. The medical community long has recognized that health itself is not confined to the absence of disease or infirmity. Increasingly, child health’s role is being defined as advancing healthy, life-course … Read More

MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT IN THE COURTROOM

A BENCHCARD FOR JUDICIAL PROFESSIONALS SERVING PARENTS AND CHILDREN AFFECTED BY OPIOID USE DISORDERS Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs). MAT uses medications, in combination with counseling and other therapeutic techniques, to provide a … Read More

Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools: An Action Guide for School and District Leaders

Things to Keep in Mind When Implementing Strategies to Promote Mental Health and WellBeing in Schools When implementing strategies related to schoolbased promotion of mental health and well-being, it is important to consider existing educational practices that may guide decision-making … Read More