This paper describes an effort to bridge research and practice in residential care through implementing a program model titled Children and Residential Experiences (CARE). The strategy involves consulting at all levels of the organization to guide personnel to incorporate CARE evidence-based principles into daily practice, and fostering an…

This article provides an overview of the history, development, and conceptual framework guiding a national certification initiative for child and youth care workers. Summarized are descriptions of three certification assessment measures (supervisor assessment, situational judgment certification exam, and portfolio assessment), integrated with…

Recognizing the importance of understanding the way in which supervisors in child welfare perceive their administrative responsibilities and use of power and authority, an exploratory study was conducted. Supervisors in child welfare agencies in urban and rural settings participated in focus groups and discussed the impact of macro and micro…

Although existing family preservation program research has focused on identifying the components of effective treatment, we remain far from fully developing empirically supported interventions (Barth, Chamberlain, Reid, Rolls, Hurlburt, Farmer, James, McCabe, & Kohl, 2005; Dufour, Chamberland, & Trocme, 2003). The current longitudinal study…

Highlights use by caseworkers of genogram construction with children in care. Notes that genogram construction can be an initial engagement tool and a way to gather information about children's view of care and their family. Suggests that genograms can enhance rapport between caseworkers and children of different ethnicities, support permanency…

Presents an advocacy practice model which analyzes and interrelates the components of the process. Lists 12 major variables in case advocacy together with 10 key questions which may guide the advocate's decision-making process and shape advocacy activities. (BR)

Explores the perceptions of 74 New Jersey child welfare workers pertaining to independent case reviews of children placed outside the home. Workers' understanding of the law, their methods of dealing with placement review in their practice, their relationship with their local board, and their overall assessment of the advantages and disadvantages…

Proposes a comprehensive definition of permanency planning and delineates its major components. (Author/RH)

Provides a framework for understanding the cultural, social, political, and economic factors that affect decision making when working with ethnically and racially diverse families in the child welfare system. Describes external factors affecting the decision- making process, including community environment, agency structure, and family…

Describes a program in which children not legally free for adoption are placed with foster families committed to eventually adopting them although aware that the children may not become legally free. (BRT)

Describes the principal features of a multisystems approach to family preservation that involves placement prevention and permanency planning. The approach is being taught to family preservation workers in Illinois. Discussion concerns the approach's theoretical premises, tasks, significant assessment areas, and ways of understanding the approach.…

In helping disturbed, deprived children and their families, an agency's concept of its treatment task is of vital importance. An effective approach focuses on an agency's functioning as an extended family, and assuming a parenting role. (Editor)

Examines various ways in which child-care workers can work with families of children in residential centers to facilitate children's early return home. (CM)

Presents a model training protocol for case management of child sexual abuse cases and a training protocol for the development of case planning skills. Findings from an evaluation of case management skills suggest that child protective service workers need training in formulating goals and objectives and negotiating contracts with sexually abusive…

Supplements and extends an earlier article by these authors. Suggests that a strengths approach, with guiding principles of family preservation, be used to empower child protective service (CPS) caseworkers and to enhance their cultural competence. Defines ethnic sensitivity and identifies the components of a strengths approach to CPS training.…