Insights and tools to make each phase more manageable.
Preparing for a Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) is complex because it looks at not only how your agency serves, but how families experience the child welfare system. Agencies must manage data requirements, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and interpret federal guidelines. Partnering with an experienced team can provide insight into the CFSR’s purpose and the areas of child welfare practice that are measured. It can also help your agency understand what it takes to facilitate a meaningful CFSR experience.
How Public Knowledge® Supports Agencies at Every Stage
Public Knowledge® (PK) brings decades of experience helping child welfare agencies navigate the CFSR. We understand and appreciate the opportunities the CFSR provides to enhance states’ efforts to improve service delivery to children and families. PK has a long-standing relationship with the Children’s Bureau through the former Capacity Building Center for States, providing technical assistance during Rounds 3 and 4 and guiding agencies through each phase of the CFSR process.
From planning for the statewide assessment to the onsite review and through the Program Improvement Planning process, our expertise helps agencies turn complex requirements into clear strategies that improve outcomes for children and families.
PK’s Internal Tools and Resources
To support agencies throughout the CFSR, PK has developed a set of internal tools and resources designed to streamline preparation and PIP development:
- Project management dashboard to monitor progress in developing the statewide assessment and Program Improvement Plan (PIP)
- Sample surveys for agency staff and stakeholders to inform the statewide assessment
- Problem exploration and goal/strategies templates to guide PIP development
- Communication planning tools and templates to support internal and external messaging
- Stakeholder engagement tools and planning templates to support inclusive participation
Children’s Bureau Resources and Tools
The following is a list of tools and resources that have been developed by the Children’s Bureau and are publicly available to support jurisdictions navigating the CFSR.
- Provides detailed guidance for each stage of the review.
- Clarifies expectations for statewide assessments, case reviews, and PIP development.
- Helps agencies understand federal requirements and plan next steps.
2. Statewide Assessment Template
- Enables agencies to document performance clearly and highlight successes.
- Supports preparation for data collection and reporting requirements.
3. CFSR Round 4 Statewide Data Indicators
- Explains how performance indicators are calculated.
- Provides insight into safety and permanency outcomes to guide improvement efforts.
4. CFSR Round 4 E-Learning Academy
- Interactive modules and mock cases allow staff to practice applying the Onsite Review Instrument and Instructions.
- Supports readiness and performance while reinforcing best practices.
PK Can Help Your Agency Navigate the CFSR
Our extensive knowledge and expertise in all phases of the CFSR, and experience in the use of tools and program instructions to guide development of data-informed statewide assessments and Program Improvement Plans in alignment with federal requirements, make PK an ideal partner for navigating your state’s CFSR journey.