Describes how child protective workers and other service providers can make their assessments of family situations more comprehensive in order to achieve more satisfactory outcomes for children and families. Prepared by the Child Welfare League of America, Inc., the guide emphasizes the twin goals of family connectedness and permanence in the context of child protection. Chapters cover the following objectives: developing a new framework of assessment that is community based and depends on the collaboration of a variety of assessment partners; demonstrating the link between assessments and desired outcomes; describing a step-by-step process for developing a comprehensive assessment approach; recommending core components of the assessment strategy; and providing information on the relative effectiveness of the different assessment tools available. A comprehensive assessment approach builds upon those tools that have proven to be effective. Part 1 of the guide covers the planning process and evaluation of new assessment approaches; Part 2 provides a critical review of assessment tools focusing on such areas as risk and safety, family connections and resources, substance abuse, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, cultural differences, and family and child functioning. The guide also contains numerous worksheets, sample forms, and other practical resources.