Using Integrated Data Systems to Improve Child Welfare Outcomes How two states are working to improve outcomes for children in foster care through the strategic use of integrated data This case study is one in series of briefs that show how to invest in and use integrated data systems (IDS) in local jurisdictions to improve policies, programs and practice. This brief discusses the improved outcomes for children in foster care being created by the states of Wisconsin and Washington through the strategic use of integrated data from their child-focused systems: child welfare, child support enforcement and Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF). Read More
Aligning Capital With Mission Lessons from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Social Investment Program This report shares the results of an in-depth evaluation of Casey’s Social Investment Program. Readers will learn if the program is making a difference, the opportunities and challenges that impact investors commonly face, and what lessons the Foundation has learned in navigating the mission investing field. Read More
Community-Based Workforce Engagement Supports for Youth and Young Adults Involved in the Criminal Legal System Findings from an Exploratory Scan This report explores how workforce development programs can better meet the needs of youth and young adults who have justice-system experience. Read More
Shifting Into Gear A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Car Ownership Program This guide outlines the pros, cons, process, costs and feasibility for organizations starting a car ownership program for low-income workers. Read More
Sticker Shock 2020 The Cost of Incarceration This brief analyzes the economic costs of youth confinement in the juvenile justice system nationwide. Read to learn about confinement's debilitating effects on young people’s present and future well-being. Read More
Residents Engaged in Strengthening Families and Neighborhoods This report offers strategies for connecting residents and families living in isolated urban neighborhoods to social networks, services, supports, assets, jobs and opportunities through collective action to improve their communities. Read More
Back on Track Transforming Virginia's Child Welfare System A collaboration between the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Commonwealth of Virginia decreased the number of children in foster care and reduced the state’s overreliance on congregate care. This case study describes the effort that successfully introduced a family-centered child welfare practice model, increased both permanency rates and access to community-based care, and reduced overall spending. Read More
Strategic Financing Toolkit for Tested, Effective Programs Evidence2Success This toolkit outlines a five-step strategic finance planning process geared toward supporting programs that serve children and families. It aims to help public and community leaders work together to examine what they want to finance, how their current investments align with their financing goals, and which strategies can help them achieve these goals. This process and toolkit were developed to support Evidence2Success, an Annie E. Casey Foundation initiative meant to help leaders identify the resources that they need to start up, scale and sustain evidence-based programs that produce positive results for children and families. Read More
Youth in Foster Care Share Their School Experiences In 12 fast-paced pages, this report shares the stories of 10 young people who faced constant hurdles and havoc while trying to advance their education in foster care. It champions the same cause — a consistent classroom setting — as its sister publication, Sustaining Momentum: Improving Educational Stability for Young People in Foster Care. Read More
Educating English Language Learners: Understanding and Using Assessment This guide, originally for charter schools, prepares schools to better assess the effectiveness of their English Language Learners (ELL) program and increase educators’ awareness of tools, instruments and relevant resources. Read More