Understanding the Key Elements of a Successful Differential Response Approach: The Hawaii Experience
At the conclusion of the first CFSR, Hawaii was faced with the challenge of needing to bring about significant change in nearly every outcome and systemic factor. The leadership committed to a fundamental shift in CPS practice which used a safety decision making framework and engaged community partners to create a Differential Response approach. In this webinar offered by the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, presenters describe the approach, the process of community engagement, and the outcomes achieved. The key elements which have made this approach successful include leadership, a systemic change framework, and a solid decision making structure which enables consistent decisions about which families are best served in a traditional CPS investigation and which are better served by a voluntary community response. The results of this fundamental practice change include huge reductions in disproportionate placement of Native Hawaiian children, overall reductions in out of home placements, and reductions in repeat maltreatment. The Hawaii experience has demonstrated that a solid, well-defined, and well-implemented practice framework can produce positive outcomes for children and families. (2010)
*Many of these resources were developed previously by the
National Resource Center for
Permanency and Family Connections (NRCPFC).
Informational & Practice Publications, Resources, & Tools
Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Well-Being: A Network for Action 2013 Resource Guide
This guide for service providers was developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, the Child Welfare Information Gateway, the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention, and the Center for the Study of Social Policy—Strengthening Families. This resource supports service providers in their work with parents, caregivers, and their children to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. It focuses on the six protective factors, which have been proven to reduce the risk of abuse and neglect, and provides tools and strategies to integrate the protective factors into existing programs and systems. It is available in an online format or can be downloaded as a pdf. (2013)
Promising Approaches:Agency Responsiveness to the Communityand Community Collaboration
The Children’s Bureau actively identifies promising approaches in child welfare during the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs). Descriptions of the promising approaches are provided as a resource to States regarding areas of common concern identified during the CFSRs and the Program Improvement Plan process. The Children’s Bureau does not make any representations pertaining to the effectiveness of the approaches and has not verified that they have been properly evaluated. Promising approaches are organized by topic and include “Agency Responsiveness to the Community” and “Community Collaboration.” (2012)
Community-based Resources: Keystone to the System of Care
This resource, authored by the National Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center for Systems of Care includes the following sections: Elements of a Community-based Approach; Defining Community-based Approaches; Community-based Approaches in Child Welfare Driven Systems of Care; Challenges and Strategies in Following a Community-based Approach; Implications for Administrators and Stakeholders; Demonstration Sites and References. (2009)
State Examples
California: Re-Visioning Case Management: Partnering with Families and Communities to Create Meaningful Change
This monograph on case management from Strategies is designed to spark discussions and the exploration of new ideas regarding what it means to work with families, organizations, and communities in ways that bring about meaningful and long-term change for everyone. It offers a framework to guide staff and organizations in reviewing, discussing, and adapting their approach to case management. It begins by discussing key messages about the components of strengths-based case management, a new framework for case management that empowers family and the community, and elements of the case management relationship. Subsequent sections discuss how agencies can become learning organizations, organizational practices that contribute to an effective learning environment, and strategies organizations can implement to build community. Each section highlights programs that are implementing best practices and includes questions to consider. (2013)
North Carolina: North Carolina Division of Social Services:Community Child Protection Teams
Community Child Protection Teams were established in 1991, as a response to the increased numbers of children reported as being abused, neglected or dependent in North Carolina. Teams were established to add a community dimension to child protection. This website section provides information on Community Child Protection Teams in North Carolina, and addresses the following topics: What is CCPT?; Purpose of CCPT; CCPT Task; How Can I Benefit from CCPT?; Where can I find CCPT?; List of Chairpersons; and, Available Forms.
