| Session Title: Conceptualizing and Valuing Child Welfare Outcomes in Evaluation |
| Think Tank Session 717 to be held in Capistrano B on Friday, Nov 4, 2:50 PM to 4:20 PM |
| Sponsored by the Social Work TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Kate LaVelle, The Boy's and Girl's Aid Society of Los Angeles, klavelle@5acres.org |
| Discussant(s): |
| Julie Murphy, Human Services Research Institute, jmurphy@hsri.org |
| Katrina Brewsaugh, One Hope United, katrina@katrinalee.com |
| Abstract: Evaluators commonly struggle with defining and measuring child welfare outcomes. The Federal Child and Family Service Reviews (CFSR) specify child welfare outcome goals in three areas: safety, permanency, and well-being. However, considerable variation in local context leads to different approaches to operationalizing specific outcomes within the CFSR areas. This creates challenges when aggregating findings to understand the overall 'state of child welfare'. In addition, data limitations, funder interests, and program mandates often cause the evaluation focus to shift to intermediate outcomes, delaying examination of higher-level outcomes. Using an ecological systems perspective as the framework, this think tank will examine ways in which the child welfare field conceptualizes and values safety, permanency, and well-being. Breakout groups will each focus on a CFSR outcome area, discussing how to operationalize and measure outcomes in that area, with an emphasis on sharing experiences, challenges, and successes. |