Provides a framework that can be used by state and local child welfare agencies to redesign, expand, and improve their practices, consistent with the provisions of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) which aim to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families at the community level. AFSA requires that child safety be the dominant concern in child welfare decision-making, speeds up decisions about permanent placement of children, and promotes adoption of children whose home environments are not safe. Among the topics covered are: (1) key provisions of ASFA and the timeline for compliance; (2) implications of ASFA for outcome-based child welfare practice, including organizational policies, supervisory practices, time frames for decision-making, service delivery, and collaboration with other service providers; (3) principles and key elements of effective child welfare practice, including critical issues for planning; (4) guidelines for case assessment, planning,implementation, monitoring, and evaluation; and (5) organizational resources. Aimed at a primary audience of child welfare training staff, administrators, supervisors, and program managers, this resource guide contains useful information for professionals working in the court system, mental health agencies, schools, and juvenile justice programs.
