Allied for Better Outcomes: Child Welfare and Early Childhood Paper

Young children who come to the attention of the child welfare system are not only more vulnerable to the experience of maltreatment (Children under five are disproportionally reported to child protective services for suspected abuse or neglect), they are also more vulnerable to the effects of maltreatment. For families at risk of child abuse and neglect (CAN), preventative services that build Protective Factors with families can help parents avoid situations that can lead to negative outcomes for their children. Among families with young children where maltreatment has already taken place, child welfare systems must engage in partnerships that ensure these young children are receiving appropriate interventions to keep their development on track.

In a draft paper, Allied for Better Outcomes: Child Welfare and Early Childhood, CSSP argues for collaborative partnerships between early childhood and child welfare systems to support the well-being of the youngest children. Using Strengthening Families concepts, the paper argues that all families - birth, foster, adoptive, and kin - need support in building Protective Factors so they can meet the needs of their children. Because the early childhood sector is unqiuely positioned to support the families of young children, it can serve as a powerful partner to child welfare systems charged with serving members of this population.

The paper proposes guiding principles for systems serving very young, vulnerable children, and outlines several goals and strategies for system improvement. Case studies from three states with ongoing work to better link early childhood and child welfare systems are included as appendices to the paper.

Download the paper now at: http://www.strengtheningfamilies.net/images/uploads/images/(1.1)_Allied_for_Better_Outcomes_(draft)_.pdf