Child Welfare

Few systems are as critical to a community as child welfare. To an outsider, the child welfare system is also a complex labyrinth of programs that cover children’s safety, abuse and neglect, foster care and adoption as well as supporting and strengthening families. How children fare in that system will have lifelong repercussions across all parts of society. (Photo: The Seattle Times)

Child Welfare

Latest in Child Welfare

Reporting a Teen's Journey to College

Reporting: Best Practices — February 07, 2012, Erica Mink

A multimedia series by the Detroit Free Press highlights 18-year-old Marcus's transition to college. Reporter David Jesse tells the story behind the story.

Breaking News on Child Sexual Abuse: Early Coverage of Penn State

Research, Reports & Data — February 04, 2012, The Ms. Foundation for Women and the Berkeley Media Studies Group

The Ms. Foundation for Women and the Berkeley Media Studies Group closely examines the first nine days of news coverage of the Penn State University child sexual abuse case.

The Lifelong Effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress

Research, Reports & Data — January 13, 2012, American Academy of Pediatrics

The report suggests that toxic stress has lifelong developmental consequences for kids.

FOSTER CARE AND CHILD WELFARE RESOURCES

resource — January 10, 2012

A comprehensive collection of data and reports that focus on Foster Care and Child Welfare, along with an extensive list of experts in the field.

Racial Bias in Child Protection: A Comparison of Competing Explanations Using National Data

Research, Reports & Data — March 04, 2011, Pediatrics

The disproportionate number of black children in child abuse reports is due to increased exposure to risk factors such as poverty, not racial bias in the child welfare system, the study reports.

On the Streets: Federal Response to Gay and Transgender Homeless Youth

Research, Reports & Data — August 11, 2010, Center for American Progress

A disproportionate amount of gay and transgender youth comprise the homeless youth population. They face harsh conditions and have few government programs or charity groups to turn to.

What Works for Home Visiting Programs

Research, Reports & Data — July 28, 2010, Child Trends

The report identifies and examines different home visiting program models.

2010 KIDS COUNT Data Book

Research, Reports & Data — July 27, 2010, The Annie E. Casey Foundation

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual report is a leading source of data on the condition of America's children and families.

America’s Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being

Research, Reports & Data — July 19, 2010, Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics

The annual federal statistics compilation reports positive and negative changes to child well-being.

NEGLECT AND ABUSE RESOURCES

resource — June 02, 2010

A comprehensive collection of data and reports that focus on Neglect and Abuse, along with an extensive list of experts in the field.

CHILD WELFARE: AN INTRODUCTION

resource — June 17, 2009

Who Controls Foster Care Programs and Purse Strings?

Research, Reports & Data — November 01, 2007, Journalism Center Staff

Know who controls foster-care programs? See an in-depth chart, identifying which entities in Congress and the executive branch oversee spending, and through which programs.

EXPERTS ON DEPENDENCY COURTS

resource — August 13, 2010

An extensive lists of experts from academia, nonprofits, advocacy and government.

Foster Care and Permanence

Research, Reports & Data — February 19, 2010, Journalism Center Staff

Reporting tips, story ideas and resources for foster care and permanency issues

Uncovering Local Mismanagement of Federal and State Welfare Funds

Reporting: Best Practices — January 31, 2010, Keith Matheny, reporter, The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, Calif.)

Desert Sun (Palm Springs, Calif.) reporter Keith Matheny describes how he uncovered the mismanagement of $6 million intended for needy families from California's Native American tribes.