Counting is Not Enough Investing in Qualitative Case Reviews for Practice Improvement in Child Welfare This report—the first field-study of its kind—evaluates an increasingly popular performance-monitoring tool, the Qualitative Case Review (QCR), while offering tips for enhancing its implementation and use in child welfare systems nationwide. Read More
Sharpening Leadership Skills to Improve Child Outcomes in Baltimore Maryland This case study gives an example of how a results-based leadership program within the Baltimore City Department of Social Services helped leaders work more collaboratively and produce measurable results to improve the lives of children in their community. Read More
Building a Stronger Regional Safety Net Philanthropy's Role This analysis combines an original dataset of foundation grants for social services with interviews that assess the role of foundations in supporting the suburban social safety net in the Atlanta, Chicago, Denver and Detroit regions. Read More
40+ Top Fatherhood Resources These resources are a snapshot of web-based materials available as of May, 2011; including field-shaping research and information sites, practical tools, and programmatic guidance for the important work of responsible fatherhood. Read More
The Adolescent Brain and Foster Care New Research and its Implications for Young People Transitioning from Foster Care This report looks at evidence that the adolescent brain can be successfully “rewired” during and beyond the teenage years, making the case for foster care reform. Read More
Advice to a New Child Services Leader This paper by the Honorable James Payne, a retired judge and former director of the Indiana Department of Child Services, offers personal insights for top leaders new to posts in public child-serving systems. Read More
Next Generation Organizations 9 Key Traits What does a next generation organization look like? CompassPoint Nonprofit Services has developed an organizational self-assessment and reflection tool that offers a list of characteristics. This paper draws on examples from two nonprofits to demonstrate how certain traits are made operational. Read More
Shared Prosperity, Stronger Regions An Agenda for Rebuilding America's Older Core Cities This report explores the opportunities and challenges confronting older core cities by looking closely at five of them: Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Read More
The 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book State Profiles of Child Well-Being According to data released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in its 2011 KIDS COUNT ® Data Book, over the past decade there has been a significant decline in economic well-being for low-income children and families. Data also reveal the impact of the job and foreclosure crisis on children. This year's message explores how children and families are faring in the wake of the recession and why it matters to help kids reach their full potential to become part of a robust economy and society. To find more information related to the KIDS COUNT Data Book, or to create your own customized maps, graphs, or charts, visit the KIDS COUNT Data Center. Read More
Moving Hard to House Residents to Work Supporting Vulnerable Public Housing Families, Brief #4 This brief explores the employment experiences of public housing residents during the Chicago Housing Authority’s partnership in the Family Case Management Demonstration project. Read More