Transforming child welfare through research & policy

Briefs

Child welfare, Poverty

The Impact of Poverty on Children and Families

Policies aimed at reducing childhood poverty can yield positive benefits for Washington in terms of improved individual and family functioning, and increased economic self-sufficiency for future generations.

Mental health

Children’s Mental Health

This 2016 brief provides key facts on mental health issues related to children – how many are affected, how many receive the care they need, what level of mental health coverage is available, and more.

Parenting

Poverty & Involvement in the Child Welfare System

This 2016 brief provides key facts on the intersection between poverty and involvement in the child welfare system, as well as policy recommendations to ensure family economic security.

State policy

A Separate Children’s Department in Washington State

This 2016 policy brief provides an overview of why creating a separate Children’s Department in Washington State would be a better way to serve children and families.

Child welfare, Foster care

Making Sure McCleary Meets the Educational Needs of All Children

This 2014 policy brief provides background on the McCleary vs. State lawsuit and emphasizes that changes made only to the education system (and not social service system) threatens to widen the achievement gap for low-income and poor students.

Child welfare, Foster care

Implementation of Family Assessment Response

This 2015 policy brief provides an update on the implementation of Family Assessment Response (FAR) in Washington State.

Incarcerated Parents

Primary Factors Associated with Child Maltreatment

Efforts to reduce child maltreatment will have a better chance for long-term success if interventions address the full range of primary factors associated with child maltreatment.

Legal

Court Involvement and Time to Permanency

This brief discusses the statewide uptick in in court involvement with children entering care and opportunities for future exploration to better understand the implications of this trend.

Foster care

Family Assessment Response: Promoting the Goals of Child Safety and Family Preservation

This brief gives an overview of Family Assessment Response (or differential response) and how it might impact children and families.

Data

Family Visitation in Child Welfare: Helping Children Cope with Separation while in Foster Care

This brief reports that children with frequent family contact while in foster care experience a greater likelihood of reunification, shorter stays in out-of-home care, overall improved emotional well-being, and positive adjustment to placement.