Family Engagement in Child Welfare System-Level Change: A Review of Current Models

Abstract

Family engagement is a critical component of child welfare practice. Studies report improved experiences and outcomes when families are involved in decision making. Robust engagement may also serve as a culturally responsive approach to improving outcomes for families. Although practice-level interventions have received attention in the literature, there is a dearth of research on program- and system-level family models. The present study contributes to the emerging literature by analyzing publicly available data to document U.S. state efforts to engage families. Findings describe the origin, membership, and activities of four macro-level practice models. Similarities and differences among states as well as implications for future research and practice are discussed.