Written by Associate Commissioner Aysha E. Schomburg  February is Black History Month and a time when we celebrate the contributions and triumphs of Black people throughout U.S history. It is true that

<p><em>Written by Associate Commissioner Aysha E. Schomburg </em></p>
<p>February is Black History Month and a time when we celebrate the contributions and triumphs of Black people throughout U.S history. It is true that we have made extraordinary contributions not only to this country but to this world. It is also true that we have historically and consistently experienced racism, discrimination, mass incarceration, and oversurveillance. Oversurveillance is a word that we hear a lot in the field of child welfare. Arguably, racism and discrimination lead to oversurveillance-and oversurveillance leads to mass incarceration. In our field, oversurveillance leads to mass family separation. </p>
<p>Black families in the United States have always been surveilled. Overseers on plantations come to mind. Their role was not only to protect the property of the slave owner but also to preserve the racial hierarchy of the workforce. Overseers were responsible for watching the enslaved Africans and exacting swift punishment for any behavior deemed punishable. We can think back to the &#34;separate but equal&#34; ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson, which gave carte blanche to White folks to have the legal right to keep vigil over Black choices of where to sit, eat, and drink. The &#34;wrong&#34; choice would, at the very least, result in humiliation and could undoubtedly result in beating, incarceration, or even death. More recently, in the 1950s and 1960s, we can consider the government&#39;s counterintelligence program, often referred to as COINTELPRO, which was the intentional and purposeful surveillance of Black freedom fighters and other political organizations to disempower Black people and maintain the racial hierarchy.</p>
<p>Now, in 2022, what does surveillance look like? We know our nation has a complicated history of watching, judging, and infringing on the liberties of Black people. Eyes are omnipresent. It may look like someone calling the cops on people barbequing legally in the park, bird watching, or playing our music too loud. For our children-and for Black families impacted by child welfare-it&#39;s calling child protection when a family is struggling instead of leaning in and pledging support to them. If a child is in imminent danger then, yes, make that call. However, so many folks make that call, perhaps thinking they are doing the right thing, without even realizing the devastation that one call may cause to a family. Others may make the call because they are implicitly or explicitly biased against Black families and children. They oversee. They police. They over surveil. The data back this up; by some accounts, more than half of all Black children in this country are investigated by child welfare, and Black children are disproportionately investigated and separated from their families. </p>
<p>This month, while we celebrate the contributions and triumphs of Black people, make a commitment to ending this tragic surveillance and separation of Black families. Call out oversurveillance when you see it. Confront the bungled definition of neglect that answers poverty with carceral solutions. Save Black children from that knock on the door and that tunnel of child welfare, out of which they may never see their way. </p>
<p>James Baldwin once said, &#34;The price one pays for pursuing any profession or calling is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side.&#34; The plight of oversurveillance and mass separation of Black families is ugly.  Think...first, do no harm.</p>
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February 2022

Black families bear the brunt of the negative effects of the systemic and structural racism that exists within many U.S. systems. These disadvantages hinder their well-being and prosperity and contribute

Series Addresses Structural Racism Through Equitable Policymaking for Black Families

<p>Black families bear the brunt of the negative effects of the systemic and structural racism that exists within many U.S. systems. These disadvantages hinder their well-being and prosperity and contribute to economic disparity that is further exasperated by the impact of COVID-19. A <a href="https://www.childtrends.org/project/addressing-structural-racism-through-equitable-policy-making-for-black-families" rel="nofollow">series of issue briefs</a> from ChildTrends provides information and recommendations for policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and others interested in supporting Black families and children. The information in these three briefs can be used in developing policies that protect and support Black families.</p>
<p>The first brief presents data on the family structure, employment, and geographic location of Black families with young children as well as contextual factors that have shaped their experiences. It acts as a foundation for the rest of the series by providing the necessary historical and current context to better understand the situation. The second brief draws on data from the first brief to present potential policy strategies that support Black families&#39; access to education and early childhood care. The last brief explores the impact of COVID-19 on housing stability for Black families, who were already at a disadvantage due to the legacy of discriminatory housing policies.</p>
<p>Access the <em><a href="https://www.childtrends.org/project/addressing-structural-racism-through-equitable-policy-making-for-black-families" rel="nofollow">Addressing Structural Racism Through Equitable Policy Making for Black Families</a></em> series to view the three briefs.</p>
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A recent issue of CW360° focuses on racism in child welfare and finding solutions to address racist policies and practices. It expands on its 2020 issue by continuing the conversation around the pervasiveness

Confronting Racism, Engaging Partners, Finding Solutions

<p>A <a href="https://cascw.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/360WEB_2021_508rev.pdf" rel="nofollow">recent issue</a> of <em>CW360° </em>focuses on racism in child welfare and finding solutions to address racist policies and practices. It expands on its 2020 issue by continuing the conversation around the pervasiveness of racism and inequality within child welfare systems and normalizing using an antiracist, historical trauma lens.</p>
<p>Divided into three parts, this issue provides solutions-oriented content to create sustainable change and includes the voices of those with lived experience. The first part takes a broader look at the history and patterns of inequality and features articles that provide valuable context for understanding the inequality families and children of color face. This knowledge provides a foundation for the middle section of the issue, which includes articles featuring promising practices and examples of successful program implementation that address racism. Finally, the third part of the issue features articles on youth advocacy, checking personal biases, perspectives, and more.</p>
<p>The issue also includes a discussion guide focused on self-reflection to serve as a launching pad for ideas for practitioners. There is also a resource guide for further learning. </p>
<p>To learn more, read the entire <a href="https://cascw.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/360WEB_2021_508rev.pdf" rel="nofollow">issue</a>.</p>
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The Children's Bureau website hosts information on child welfare programs, funding, monitoring, training and technical assistance, laws, statistics, research, federal reporting, and much more. Recent additions

<p>The Children&#39;s Bureau website hosts information on child welfare programs, funding, monitoring, training and technical assistance, laws, statistics, research, federal reporting, and much more.</p>
<p>Recent additions to the site include the following:</p>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/success-story/preventing-sex-trafficking-and-strengthening" rel="nofollow">Spotlight on Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/self-assessment-tools-part-one" rel="nofollow">CCWIS Self-Assessment Tools Part One</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/title-iv-e-prevention-data" rel="nofollow">The FFPSA Title IV-E Prevention Program Data Submission</a></li></ul>
<div>Visit the <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb" rel="nofollow">Children&#39;s Bureau website</a> often to see what&#39;s new.</div>
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A new brief from the Children's Bureau, Evaluating Family Engagement in Child Welfare: A Primer for Evaluators on Key Issues in Definition, Measurement, and Outcomes, discusses key issues evaluators may

Evaluating Family Engagement in Child Welfare

<p>A new brief from the Children&#39;s Bureau, <em><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/report/evaluating-family-engagement-child" rel="nofollow">Evaluating Family Engagement in Child Welfare: A Primer for Evaluators on Key Issues in Definition, Measurement, and Outcomes</a></em>, discusses key issues evaluators may encounter when assessing family engagement practices and programs aimed at encouraging the meaningful involvement of family and youth in every step of the child welfare decision-making process.</p>
<p>The brief presents an overview of what defines family engagement in a child welfare context and features models of family engagement. According to the brief, family engagement is more than just compliance with child welfare-related obligations, such as attending therapy and case plan meetings. Family engagement requires interactive and interpersonal communication among family members and between families and child welfare staff. Models of meaningful family engagement center on interaction at the case, peer, and system levels.  </p>
<p>According to the brief, evaluating family engagement programs and practices requires measuring engagement and finding ways to assess whether genuine engagement has occurred. Genuine engagement can be measured by assessing the collaborative relationship between parents and caseworkers, parent behavior and compliance, and whether caseworkers used collaborative engagement practices when working with the families in their caseloads.  </p>
<p>The brief concludes with a discussion about methodological and conceptual issues evaluators may encounter when evaluating family engagement efforts, such as the following:</p>
<ul><li>The child welfare field still lacks an accepted definition of family engagement.</li><li>The mechanism through which engagement impacts outcomes is not yet fully understood.</li><li>Bias may shape perceptions of engagement.</li><li>More work is needed to understand the engagement of fathers.</li></ul>
<div>To learn more, read the brief, <em><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/report/evaluating-family-engagement-child" rel="nofollow">Evaluating Family Engagement in Child Welfare: A Primer for Evaluators on Key Issues in Definition, Measurement, and Outcomes</a></em>.</div>
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The Children's Bureau funds several technical assistance centers to provide professionals with tools to better serve children, youth, and families. The following are some of the latest resources from these

Updates From the Children's Bureau's Training and Technical Assistance Partners

<p>The Children&#39;s Bureau funds several technical assistance centers to provide professionals with tools to better serve children, youth, and families.</p>
<p>The following are some of the latest resources from these partners: </p>
<ul><li><strong>Child Welfare Information Gateway   </strong><br />
<ul><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/domviolence/overview/" rel="nofollow">Domestic Violence Overview</a> [Webpage update]</li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/collabresponse/" rel="nofollow">Collaborative Responses to Child Abuse &amp; Neglect</a> [Webpage update]</li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/alternative/" rel="nofollow">Differential Response in Child Protective Services</a> [Webpage update]</li></ul>
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<div style="margin-left: 80px;">Visit the <a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/" rel="nofollow">Child Welfare Information Gateway website</a> for more.</div>
<ul><li><strong>Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative </strong><br />
<ul><li>Capacity Building Center (CBC) for States<br />
<ul><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/the-words-we-choose-to-use" rel="nofollow">&#34;The Words We Choose to Use&#34;</a> [Video]</li><li><em><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/topics/prevention/prevention-planning/tool" rel="nofollow">Building Capacity to Address Common Challenges</a></em></li></ul>
</li><li>CBC for Tribes<br />
<ul><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/index.php/tools/" rel="nofollow">Tools From Tribes</a> [Webpage]</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v&#61;3EApTKgMAOg" rel="nofollow">&#34;Healing and Joy: Tools to Address Burnout and Increase Wellness in Tribal Child Welfare&#34;</a> [Webinar]</li></ul>
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<div style="margin-left: 80px;">Visit the <a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/" rel="nofollow">Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative website</a> for more.</div>
<ul><li><strong>Children&#39;s Bureau Learning &amp; Coordination Center (CBLCC)</strong><br />
<ul><li><a href="https://cblcc.acf.hhs.gov/topic-areas/child-abuse-prevention/family-and-child-well-being-system-economic-concrete-supports-as-a-core-component/" rel="nofollow">&#34;Putting Economic and Concrete Supports at the Center of a Family Well Being System</a>&#34; [Webinar]</li></ul>
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<div style="margin-left: 80px;">Visit the <a href="https://cblcc.acf.hhs.gov/" rel="nofollow">CBLCC website</a> for more.</div>
<ul><li><strong>AdoptUSKids</strong><br />
<ul><li><a href="https://blog.adoptuskids.org/advocating-for-your-child-at-school/" rel="nofollow">&#34;Advocating for Your Child at School&#34;</a> [Blog post]</li><li><em><a href="https://professionals.adoptuskids.org/understanding-the-impact-of-trauma-on-childrens-behavior-a-discussion-guide/" rel="nofollow">Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Children&#39;s Behavior: A Discussion Guide</a></em></li><li><em><a href="https://professionals.adoptuskids.org/bringing-joy-to-the-support-group-experience/" rel="nofollow">Bringing Joy to the Support Group Experience</a></em></li></ul>
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<div style="margin-left: 80px;">Visit the <a href="https://adoptuskids.org/" rel="nofollow">AdoptUSKids website</a> for more.</div>
<ul><li><strong>National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (NDACAN)</strong><br />
<ul><li><a href="https://www.ndacan.acf.hhs.gov/datasets/dataset-details.cfm?ID&#61;255" rel="nofollow"><em>Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), Foster Care File 2020</em></a></li><li><em><a href="https://www.ndacan.acf.hhs.gov/datasets/dataset-details.cfm?ID&#61;258" rel="nofollow">Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), Adoption File 2020</a></em></li><li><em><a href="https://www.ndacan.acf.hhs.gov/datasets/dataset-details.cfm?ID&#61;256" rel="nofollow">National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) - Outcomes File, Cohort Age 17 in FY2020, Wave 1</a></em></li><li><em><a href="https://www.ndacan.acf.hhs.gov/datasets/dataset-details.cfm?ID&#61;246" rel="nofollow">National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI) Comprehensive Organizational Health Assessment [2014-2019]</a></em></li></ul>
</li></ul>
<div style="margin-left: 80px;">Visit the <a href="https://www.ndacan.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm" rel="nofollow">NDACAN website</a> for more.</div>
<ul><li><strong>National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI) </strong><br />
<ul><li><a href="https://ncwwi-dms.org/resourcemenu/resource-library/retention/1674-how-case-severity-and-workplace-resources-impact-worker-retention/file" rel="nofollow">&#34;How Case Severity and Workplace Resources Impact Worker Retention&#34;</a> [One-page summary]</li><li><a href="https://ncwwi-dms.org/resourcemenu/resource-library/organizational-culture-and-climate/1675-everyday-workplace-discrimination-ncwwi-1-page-summary/file" rel="nofollow">&#34;Everyday Workplace Discrimination: Differential Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being Among Child Welfare Caseworkers&#34;</a> [One-page summary]</li></ul>
</li></ul>
<div style="margin-left: 80px;">Visit the <a href="https://www.ncwwi.org/" rel="nofollow">NCWWI website</a> for more.</div>
<ul><li><strong>Quality Improvement Center for Workforce Development (QIC-WD)</strong><br />
<ul><li><a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/blog/secondary-traumatic-stress-impact-child-welfare-workforce-and-strategies-agencies" rel="nofollow">&#34;Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) - It&#39;s Impact on the Child Welfare Workforce and Strategies for Agencies to Address It&#34;</a> [Blog post]</li><li><a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/blog/evaluating-job-redesign-strategies-and-preliminary-findings-louisiana" rel="nofollow">&#34;Evaluating Job Redesign: Strategies and Preliminary Findings From Louisiana&#34;</a> [Blog post]</li></ul>
</li></ul>
<div style="margin-left: 80px;">Visit the <a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/" rel="nofollow">QIC-WD website</a> for more.</div>
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The Capacity Building Center for Tribes' Tribal Information Exchange released a series of tip sheets on trauma-informed practice in tribal child welfare. One of the tip sheets, Trauma-Informed Youth Transitions

Trauma-Informed Youth Transitions in Tribal Child Welfare

<p>The Capacity Building Center for Tribes&#39; Tribal Information Exchange released a series of tip sheets on trauma-informed practice in tribal child welfare. One of the tip sheets, <em><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/products/traumainformedtransitionsfactsheet.pdf?utm_source&#61;Center&#43;for&#43;Tribes&#43;Outreach&amp;utm_campaign&#61;40bfb5a864-activeeffortsemail_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_term&#61;0_c52045c6a7-40bfb5a864-142484389" rel="nofollow">Trauma-Informed Youth Transitions in Tribal Child Welfare</a></em>, focuses on helping tribal child welfare professionals understand the trauma that tribal children may have faced, respond appropriately, and prevent future traumatic experiences as they support them throughout the transitions they may experience during their involvement with child welfare, including removal, placement, and reunification. </p>
<p>The tip sheet describes how child welfare programs and caseworkers can use a trauma-informed care approach to support youth as they leave their homes, transition into a new home and environment, and transition back home. It also provides suggestions and questions to ask when implementing a trauma-informed approach to tribal youth transitions as well as additional resources on trauma-informed care, tribal child welfare best practices, and more.</p>
<p>Read the tip sheet, <em><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/products/traumainformedtransitionsfactsheet.pdf?utm_source&#61;Center&#43;for&#43;Tribes&#43;Outreach&amp;utm_campaign&#61;40bfb5a864-activeeffortsemail_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_term&#61;0_c52045c6a7-40bfb5a864-142484389" rel="nofollow">Trauma-Informed Youth Transitions in Tribal Child Welfare</a></em>, to learn more.</p>

Children with disabilities often experience maltreatment at higher rates than children without disabilities. A researcher at the University of California, Davis, investigated the maltreatment profiles

Types of Maltreatment Prevalent Among Children With Disabilities Involved With Child Welfare

<p>Children with disabilities often experience maltreatment at higher rates than children without disabilities. A researcher at the University of California, Davis, investigated the maltreatment profiles of child welfare-involved children in special education and presented the findings in a recent policy brief, <em><a href="https://poverty.ucdavis.edu/sites/main/files/file-attachments/gee_special_ed_brief.pdf?1632049508" rel="nofollow">Welfare-Involved Children in Special Education Most Likely to Suffer Supervisory Neglect</a></em>.</p>
<p>Two questions guided the research:</p>
<ul><li>What are the maltreatment profiles of child welfare-involved children who were eligible to receive special education services? </li><li>Do those with different maltreatment profiles have different internalizing and externalizing behaviors? </li></ul>
<p>Based on a sample of 290 children involved with both the child welfare system and special education, the most common class of maltreatment suffered by this population was supervisory neglect (49 percent), followed by physical abuse (24 percent), other maltreatment (e.g., educational maltreatment) (14 percent), and sexual abuse (10 percent). The maltreatment classes did not significantly relate to children&#39;s externalizing behaviors; however, certain classes did relate to internalizing behaviors. Children in the supervisory neglect and physically abused classes had higher internalizing behaviors than those in the sexually abused class.</p>
<p>The researcher concludes that supervisory neglect may be the most prominent maltreatment profile due to challenges that caregivers face in supporting children with disabilities. He suggests that understanding the sociological determinants of different maltreatment profiles could help teachers and agencies provide more appropriate and effective supports. </p>
<p>Read <em><a href="https://poverty.ucdavis.edu/sites/main/files/file-attachments/gee_special_ed_brief.pdf?1632049508" rel="nofollow">Welfare-Involved Children in Special Education Most Likely to Suffer Supervisory Neglect</a></em> for more information. </p>
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A recent study by the Center for State Child Welfare Data aims to examine factors related to the utilization of congregate care, such as the likelihood and stability of congregate care and if the utilization

What the Evidence Tells Us About Congregate Care

<p>A <a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/resourcedoc/chapinhall-usingcongregatecare-2021.pdf" rel="nofollow">recent study</a> by the Center for State Child Welfare Data aims to examine factors related to the utilization of congregate care, such as the likelihood and stability of congregate care and if the utilization aligned with federal requirements under the Family First Prevention Services Act. The study looked at data from 15 states from 2012 to 2019 and outcomes at the child, county, and state levels.</p>
<p>The data showed an overall gradual decline in congregate care utilization for children in all age groups since 2015. Additionally, on average, approximately 15 percent of children were placed in congregate care for their initial placement, but it is becoming less likely for children to be placed in congregate or foster care and more likely to be placed in kinship care. The study also looked at the stability of congregate care placement, whether the child excited congregate care to permanency, and whether children who exited to permanency reentered care.</p>
<p>The authors suggest that federal policies should be interpreted in a way that recognizes differential impact at the state level. They also state that the relationship between age and race/ethnicity with regard to disparity in utilization of congregate care is tangled in the context of the local child welfare systems and services, which makes generalizations challenging. Finally, the study raises the question of what impact federal reimbursement of congregate care services has on its delivery. </p>
<p>To learn more, read <a href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/resourcedoc/chapinhall-usingcongregatecare-2021.pdf" rel="nofollow"><em>Using Congregate Care: What the Evidence Tells Us</em></a>.</p>
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Written by the Capacity Building Center for States  "Historically, the child welfare system has not served all people equitably, and too often, poverty has been treated as neglect and child maltreatment."-Letter

Cocreating a More Equitable Child Welfare System

<p><em>Written by the Capacity Building Center for States</em></p>
<p> &#34;Historically, the child welfare system has not served all people equitably, and too often, poverty has been treated as neglect and child maltreatment.&#34;-<a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/Letter-from-aysha-schomburg.pdf" rel="nofollow">Letter From Children&#39;s Bureau Associate Commissioner Aysha E. Schomburg</a>, August 3, 2021 </p>
<div>Racial inequity, disparities, and disproportionality are complex and longstanding challenges in child welfare that cannot be addressed in isolation. Rather, the effort to build a more equitable child welfare system calls for building multifaceted and deliberate coalitions with all of an agency&#39;s partners, especially the young people and families from the communities served by the agency. </div>
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<div>The following considerations can help child welfare agency teams engage with young people and families with lived experience and expertise to cocreate a more equitable child welfare system.</div>
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<div><strong>Start by Building Knowledge About Racial Equity </strong></div>
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<div>The work of advancing racial equity in each jurisdiction begins internally. The first step involves assessing the level of understanding among staff (and partners, such as court staff) of the concepts and history related to racial inequities (e.g., history and prevalence of racial inequity in child welfare, understanding of concepts such as institutional racism, White privilege, implicit bias). This assessment can be conducted through conversations and other methods (e.g., staff surveys). Agencies should ensure staff are made aware of the extent of these challenges in their jurisdiction and have information on how to implement or expand on existing strategies. Child Welfare Information Gateway&#39;s bulletin <em><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/issue-briefs/racial-disproportionality/" rel="nofollow">Child Welfare Practice to Address Racial Disproportionality and Disparity</a></em> provides information and resources to help agencies begin or continue this internal work.</div>
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<div>It is also important to include youth and families at this stage to engage in data exploration and analysis that can help agencies better understand the particular challenges their communities face. Depending on the results, agency leaders and training staff can then decide what kind of work and supports are needed for agency staff to gain a better understanding of racial equity concepts and principles and their own implicit biases. </div>
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<div>Agency leaders should be fully committed to this work. Advancing racial equity is always challenging, but without full support, encouragement, and modeling from agency leaders, it has no chance of success. Once agency leaders and staff feel they&#39;ve reached a good level of understanding, they need to start slowly and build a coalition or partner with an existing coalition within their communities that is committed to racial equity. </div>
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<div><strong>Approach Communities With Humility and a Desire to Learn</strong></div>
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<div>When engaging young people and families, agencies should be &#34;wary of the single story,&#34; that is, using the experiences and expertise of a single person as a stand-in for an entire community. While finding enough people to represent the racial and ethnic diversity of the communities served by the agency may be challenging, it is crucial that the agency make every effort to do so by reducing barriers to participation. </div>
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<div>It is important for agency staff working with youth and families to listen with humility and an open mind. They should be prepared for hearing new and potentially challenging information that may change their perspective and alter agency policy and practice.</div>
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<div>If young people and families with lived expertise are reluctant to engage with the agency, ask &#34;why&#34; to understand the reasons. Have they had negative experiences in the past when engaging with the agency? Is the agency offering to compensate participants for their time and arranging for them to participate in multiple modalities (e.g., virtually)? Does the agency lack internal diversity, causing community members to not feel represented or &#34;seen&#34; by the agency? Is the agency offering to engage in a process of true power sharing and cocreation? Understanding the reasons for unwillingness to engage and trying to mitigate them can help the agency with its internal work of advancing racial equity and also begin the process of rehabilitating the agency&#39;s reputation in the communities it serves.</div>
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<div><strong>Engage With Young People and Family Members With Lived Experience as the Experts </strong></div>
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<div>Engaging with young people and families with lived experience for the agency&#39;s racial equity efforts means valuing their expertise and treating them like experts on their communities&#39; challenges. To partner effectively with team members with lived expertise, agency staff must be prepared to collaborate on every part of the project. For example, instead of having agency staff set preconceived meeting plans and team rules, they can work with young people and family members to cocreate meeting agendas and team charters. </div>
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<div>At the outset, agencies should be prepared to provide resources and support for young people and family team members that will make it easier for them to participate as equals. This includes compensating them for their time and work, offering stipends for meals and transportation (or providing them), and having a comprehensive communication plan to ensure full and active participation. Agency staff should also understand that the work of advancing racial equity may take a mental and emotional toll on participants, especially those with lived experience, and be prepared to provide support if needed (e.g., access to mental health counseling and self-care resources).</div>
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<div>If agencies do the work of meaningfully engaging young people and family members with lived expertise in advancing racial equity in their child welfare systems and collaboratively setting real expectations and timelines for what they want to achieve, they will find that it leads to increased trust, better project ideas, smoother implementation, and better outcomes down the road.</div>
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<div>The Capacity Building Center for States has developed the following resources that can help agencies meaningfully partner with young people and family members with lived experience in advancing racial equity in child welfare:</div>
<ul><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/virtualexpo/cwve-2021?utm_source&#61;cbxfeb2022&amp;utm_medium&#61;referral" rel="nofollow">&#34;Advancing Racial Equity in Child Welfare: Child Welfare Virtual Expo 2021&#34;</a> (On-demand learning resource)</li><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/topics/cqi/change-implementation/teaming?utm_source&#61;cbxfeb2022&amp;utm_medium&#61;referral" rel="nofollow">Change and Implementation in Practice: Teaming</a> (Set of resources)</li><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/change-implementation-focusing-on-race-equity?utm_source&#61;cbxfeb2022&amp;utm_medium&#61;referral" rel="nofollow"><em>Focusing on Race Equity Through Change and Implementation</em></a> (Tip sheet)</li><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/family-youth-voice-child-welfare?utm_source&#61;cbxfeb2022&amp;utm_medium&#61;referral" rel="nofollow"><em>Strategies for Authentic Integration of Family and Youth Voice in Child Welfare</em></a> (Tip sheet)</li></ul>
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A recent issue brief, Anti-Racist Policymaking to Protect, Promote, and Preserve Black Families and Babies, investigates strengths-based programs and policies that support the well-being of Black families

Issue Brief Identifies Antiracist Policies and Programs

<p>A recent issue brief, <em><a href="https://equity-coalition.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/LG21036-CT-Anti-Racist-Policymaking-for-Black-Fams-Final-r2_Web-1.pdf" rel="nofollow">Anti-Racist Policymaking to Protect, Promote, and Preserve Black Families and Babies</a></em>, investigates strengths-based programs and policies that support the well-being of Black families and children. It was developed as a collaborative effort between Child Trends and the Equity Research Action Coalition at the University of North Carolina Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute.</p>
<p>The brief features the Protect, Promote, Preserve (3Ps) Framework. The 3Ps Framework encourages leaders to develop programs and policies using a racial equity lens to determine whether they protect Black families and children from harm, preserve Black culture, and identify family- and child-focused policies that have the potential to mitigate the harmful effects of racism.</p>
<p>The brief also provides a compilation of policies and supports reviewed by the <a href="https://pn3policy.org/" rel="nofollow">Prenatal-to 3 Policy Center</a> that focus on trauma and harm prevention and cultural preservation and that promote health, wealth, and high-quality educational access for Black families and children.</p>
<p>To learn more, read <em><a href="https://equity-coalition.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/LG21036-CT-Anti-Racist-Policymaking-for-Black-Fams-Final-r2_Web-1.pdf" rel="nofollow">Anti-Racist Policymaking to Protect, Promote, and Preserve Black Families and Babies</a></em>.</p>
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Navigating Adoption, a new podcast from AdoptUSKids in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families and the Ad Council, brings together individuals

New Adoption Podcast Series From AdoptUSKids

<p><em><a href="https://blog.adoptuskids.org/podcast/" rel="nofollow">Navigating Adoption</a></em>, a new podcast from AdoptUSKids in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services&#39; Administration for Children and Families and the Ad Council, brings together individuals and families with lived experience and adoption experts to discuss the joys and challenges of the adoption journey through the telling of authentic stories.</p>
<p>Each episode is approximately 30 minutes and presents educational and uplifting content. Topics span the adoption spectrum, including where and how to begin the process, adopting from foster care, separation and loss, trauma, the importance of support networks and youth voice, recruitment, aging out of the foster care system, and more. </p>
<p>April Dinwiddie, the podcast host, is a transracially adopted person, an expert and thought leader in transracial adoption, and founder of the mentoring program AdoptMent. She lends her unique voice as an adoptee and adoption professional to each conversation.</p>
<p>Visit the<em> <a href="https://blog.adoptuskids.org/podcast/" rel="nofollow">Navigating Adoption</a></em> webpage to access the recording and transcript of each episode and subscribe to the podcast.</p>
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A resource curated by MoneyGeek, a website created to make personal finance more "approachable and accessible" to everyone through free content and tools, provides expert input and guidance aimed at ensuring

Personal Finance Resource for Youth Exiting Foster Care

<p>A <a href="https://bit.ly/3Gru9Bv" rel="nofollow">resource</a> curated by MoneyGeek, a website created to make personal finance more &#34;approachable and accessible&#34; to everyone through free content and tools, provides expert input and guidance aimed at ensuring the successful financial futures of youth exiting foster care.</p>
<p>The webpage utilizes infographics, call-out boxes, and bullets to convey information in a digestible format, organized into three sections:  </p>
<ul><li><strong>Financial roadblocks and solutions:</strong> Five financial challenges specific to youth leaving foster care, outlined below, and the best solutions to overcome each are presented and include:<br />
<ul><li>Inability to attend or afford higher education</li><li>Inconsistent financial role models</li><li>Economic hardships</li><li>Higher levels of unemployment and lower annual earnings</li><li>Absence of a family safety net</li></ul>
</li><li><strong>Expert advice on education and finances:</strong> Three experts-an educator and advocate, a financial advisor, and a guardian ad litem and life coach-weigh in on 11 questions, such as:<br />
<ul><li>What are the challenges facing youth transitioning out of foster care?</li><li>Are there certain scholarships and/or grants for which youth transitioning out of foster care qualify?</li><li>What are some ways foster parents can teach youth about finances and financial planning before they emancipate?</li></ul>
</li><li><strong>Resources for youth who transition out of foster care:</strong> A variety of resources, including links to organizations, programs, tools, and educational games, are listed by topic:<br />
<ul><li>Financial services and programs</li><li>Tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants</li><li>Technical tools, games, and apps</li><li>Job search support</li><li>Community support and advocacy organizations</li><li>Transition resources</li><li>Independent living and housing assistance</li></ul>
</li></ul>
<div>To learn more, read <a href="https://bit.ly/3Gru9Bv" rel="nofollow">&#34;Financial Empowerment for Youth Who Age Out of Foster Care.&#34;</a></div>
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The National Association of Social Workers has a collection of resources and materials designed to help professionals integrate adolescent brain development into child welfare practice. The curriculum,

Integrating Adolescent Brain Development Into Child Welfare Practice

<p>The National Association of Social Workers has a collection of resources and materials designed to help professionals integrate adolescent brain development into child welfare practice. The curriculum, <em><a href="http://www.socialworkblog.org/practice-and-professional-development/2020/08/integrating-adolescent-brain-development-into-child-welfare-practice-with-older-youth-curriculum-other-materials/" rel="nofollow">Integrating Adolescent Brain Development into Child Welfare Practice With Older Youth Curriculum, Other Materials</a></em>, is an in-service training intended for child welfare workers who have already received their core training; however, some parts of the curriculum may be applicable for core training, especially for agencies that specifically work with older youth in or transitioning out of care. The training may also supplement courses on child welfare practice, working with adolescents, human behavior, and the social environment.</p>
<p>The 2-day curriculum includes 13 modules as well as accompanying handouts and PowerPoint slides. Throughout the course, participants engage in role play, large- and small-group discussions, working with partners, and spending time on self-reflection. It also includes downloadable links to audio and video files that pair with certain modules. </p>
<p>To learn more about the curriculum, visit <em><a href="http://www.socialworkblog.org/practice-and-professional-development/2020/08/integrating-adolescent-brain-development-into-child-welfare-practice-with-older-youth-curriculum-other-materials/" rel="nofollow">Integrating Adolescent Brain Development Into Child Welfare Practice With Older Youth Curriculum, Other Materials</a></em>.</p>
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Upcoming conferences and events on child welfare and adoption include the following: February "Lessons From Implementation of Plans of Safe Care" [Webinar] National Center on Substance Abuse and Child

<p>Upcoming conferences and events on child welfare and adoption include the following:</p>
<div><strong>February</strong></div>
<ul><li><a href="https://cffutures.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AxM9J_PxR6u1jV_m79ZHbQ" rel="nofollow">&#34;Lessons From Implementation of Plans of Safe Care&#34;</a> [Webinar]<br />National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW)<br />February 8</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.social-current.org/event/building-healthier-communities-the-power-of-technology-to-facilitate-community-investment/" rel="nofollow">&#34;Building Healthier Communities: The Power of Technology to Facilitate Community Investment&#34;</a> [Webinar]<br />Social Current<br />February 10</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.aliainnovations.org/upcoming-events" rel="nofollow">&#34;Strategies for Decreasing Removals&#34;</a> [Webinar]<br />Alia<br />February 10</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.nativeamericanfathers.org/webinar-registration" rel="nofollow">&#34;Strengthening Families&#34;</a> [Webinar]<br />Native American Fatherhood &amp; Families Association<br />February 23</li></ul>
<div><strong>March</strong></div>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.aliainnovations.org/upcoming-events" rel="nofollow">&#34;Strategies for Managing Pushback to Change Through the Lens of Race and Gender&#34;</a> [Webinar]<br />Alia<br />March 10</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.ncjfcj.org/events/2022-national-conference-on-juvenile-justice/" rel="nofollow">National Conference on Juvenile Justice</a><br />National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges<br />March 13-16, Pittsburgh, PA</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://childwellbeing.asu.edu/content/children-incarcerated-parents-national-conference" rel="nofollow">4th Annual Children of Incarcerated Parents National Conference</a> [Virtual]<br />Arizona State University Center for Child Well-Being<br />March 30, April 6, and April 13</li></ul>
<div><strong>April</strong></div>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.nicwa.org/conference/" rel="nofollow">40th Annual Virtual Protecting Our Children Conference</a> [Virtual]<br />National Indian Child Welfare Association<br />April 3-6, Orlando, FL, and online</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/child_law/national-conferences" rel="nofollow">Access to Justice for Children and Families Conference</a><br />American Bar Association<br />April 5-6, McLean, VA</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healing-together-conference-tickets-174019094797" rel="nofollow">Healing Together Conference</a><br />Native Dad&#39;s Network<br />April 5-7, Brooks, CA</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/child_law/national-conferences" rel="nofollow">National Parent Representation Conference</a><br />American Bar Association<br />April 7-8, McLean, VA</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://sccfl.org/conference" rel="nofollow">Safe Children Coalition:11th Annual Conference</a><br />Safe Children Coalition<br />April 13-14, Sarasota, FL</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.nativeamericanfathers.org/webinar-registration" rel="nofollow">&#34;Grandparents Raising Grandchildren&#34;</a> [Webinar]<br />Native American Fatherhood and Families Association<br />April 19</li></ul>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.cwla.org/cwla2022/" rel="nofollow">CWLA 2022 National Conference</a><br />Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)<br />April 27-29, Washington, DC</li></ul>
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February 2022Vol. 23, No. 1Confronting Racism, Engaging Partners, Finding Solutions