Rigorous evaluations of promising practices in child welfare are critical for advancing the effectiveness and reliability of support systems designed to protect children and strengthen families. At the Child Welfare Research and Training Alliance, the scope of our evaluations involves comprehensive research methodologies that assess the implementation, impact and outcomes of various child welfare practices, programs, and interventions. These outcomes must be in the domains of child safety, child permanency, child well-being, adult well-being, access to services, referral to services, and/or satisfaction with programs and services. We have leveraged our strong understanding of implementation science and research expertise to assist organizations in developing and implementing effective practices that address the unique needs and challenges within the child welfare system of care. By applying qualitative and quantitative analyses, rigorous study designs, and data-driven insights, we can identify what works, for who it works, why it works, and how it can be improved. This approach ensures that practices are supported by evidence of their effectiveness for the intended target population before they are implemented on a wider scale, leading to more effective child protection, reduced risk of harm, and enhanced overall well-being for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
At the Child Welfare Research and Training Alliance, our evaluations of systems change efforts involve assessing the impact of initiatives designed to transform or improve large-scale systems such as child welfare, behavioral health and education. Our evaluators have decades of hands-on experience evaluating challenging clinical settings and child welfare systems and are uniquely equipped to understand how changes in policies, practices, and structures influence the broader system and its stakeholders. We examine the fidelity of the implementation process and the outcomes of systemic change efforts to determine whether intended goals are met and to identify any unintended consequences. Our evaluators employ a variety of methods, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, to measure the effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability of these change efforts. Ultimately, our evaluations of systems change offer insights that inform future reforms and promote more efficient and equitable systems of care.
The Child Welfare Research and Training Alliance conducts quality of care assessments in child welfare, behavioral health, and educational systems. Our goal is to ensure that individuals receive high-quality, consistent, and equitable care or support. These assessments review service delivery, client outcomes, user satisfaction, and compliance with best practices. We use various tools and methods such as interviews, surveys, performance metrics, case record reviews, and observational studies to provide a comprehensive view of service quality. The insights from these assessments help organizations identify improvement areas, make data-driven decisions, improve the care they provide, and ultimately enhance the well-being of those they serve.
The Child Welfare Research and Training Alliance conducts service array assessments and needs assessments to evaluate the range and diversity of services in child welfare and behavioral health systems of care. These assessments determine whether the available services meet the needs of the individuals and families served, as well as whether they are accessible, effective, and aligned with the system's goals.
Our evaluations consider factors such as service type, geographic distribution, population need, cultural relevance, and service gaps. Findings guide child welfare and behavioral health agencies in identifying areas for improvement or expansion to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive system of care. By optimizing their service array based on their population's needs, systems can better address the unique and evolving needs of the communities they serve.
The Child Welfare Research and Training Alliance conducts organizational culture and climate assessments to understand how internal dynamics affect staff morale, behavior, and service quality. These assessments evaluate organizational values, communication patterns, leadership styles, and staff satisfaction to determine if the culture supports a positive and inclusive environment for effective service delivery.
Using surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data-gathering methods, these assessments uncover key insights into an organization's internal landscape. The results help leaders identify strengths and weaknesses, guiding them to implement changes that foster staff well-being, teamwork, and, ultimately, improved outcomes for the children and families they serve.