CFSR Round 4 Process

This video provides an overview of the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs), which are periodic reviews of state child welfare systems conducted by the Children's Bureau in partnership with states. The video covers the history and purpose of the CFSRs, outcomes and systemic factors, the review process, and program improvement planning.

This video was designed to provide a general overview of the role legal and judicial professionals can play in their state’s federal CFSR as well as an overview of legal and judicial systems within the context of child welfare cases. Users will take away practical knowledge that can be applied to their own CFSR process.

The CFSR Procedures Manual is a comprehensive guide to Round 4 CFSR processes and procedures, including the overall framework; the statewide assessment process; the onsite review; case sampling; stakeholder interviews; determination of substantial conformity; systemic improvement; and developing, implementing, and monitoring the Program Improvement Plan. Appendices include State-Led Review criteria, timeframes, logistics, and planning materials; and statewide data indicators and AFCARS data quality checks. States can contact their Children's Bureau Regional Office or the Child Welfare Reviews Project Help Desk for a copy.

Below is information the Children's Bureau delivered on September 21, 2021, to state child welfare administrators and court improvement managers nationwide.

This document provides details on how states and the Children's Bureau will work to verify each state's ability to meet the case review criteria to conduct a State-Led Review for CFSR Round 4.

During the CFSRs, cases are reviewed at a selection of sites that reflect a cross-section or range of environments in each state, including rural and suburban areas. Selection of sites is a collaborative process between states and CB, with CB having final approval. States and CB use state data and information to explore prospective sites and child welfare system and practice dynamics to be examined during the onsite review. The Children's Bureau recommends that states consider and address data and information on certain factors, described in this document, in their proposals for selection of CFSR sites when a statewide sample is not used. 

This document provides guidance on the inclusion of cases involving children who returned home on a trial home visit in case review sampling frames. The case review population subject to review for Program Improvement Plan measurement is the same as for the CFSR onsite review.

This report discusses the requirements and benefits of conducting a State-Led Review, including the factors for states to consider when planning for their CFSRs. A quick reference list to State-Led Review criteria is included in the appendix.

This series spotlights CFSR-related topics for the legal and judicial communities. The content is drawn from the CFSR Round 3 Report for Legal and Judicial Communities, which summarizes states’ performance in meeting safety, permanency, and well-being needs of children and families as a result of the federal Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs) conducted between 2015 and 2018. These reports share results in four areas in which the legal and judicial communities play a key role: achieving timely permanency, meaningfully engaging families, promoting and maintaining family relationships and connections, and keeping families together.

This graphic shows the CFSR and Program Improvement Plan (PIP) process timeline, from the statewide assessment through the post-PIP evaluation period.

This infographic provides an overview of the purpose and structure of the CFSR and Program Improvement Plan processes, including the statewide assessment and state data profiles.

This flyer describes the role of the state’s Legal-Judicial Specialist, who will join the state’s CFSR team to assist and support an elevated understanding of how legal and judicial policies and practices contribute to the outcomes achieved as part of the CFSR’s review of the state’s child welfare system. Adding this role to the state’s CFSR team is encouraged but not mandatory.

Through a series of focus groups, 18 young people with self-identified lived child welfare experience were asked about the best methods of recruiting, engaging, supporting, and retaining young people in all aspects of the CFSRs. This brief summarizes the results of the focus groups and discusses key considerations, roles, and recommendations for states when engaging young people in the CFSRs.

For information on becoming a CFSR reviewer, see CFSR Reviewer Recruitment.

Meaningful input from a broad array of legal and judicial stakeholders, and collaboration with other system partners, are useful not only for the CFSR and Program Improvement Plan processes but also for Court Improvement Program (CIP) projects. CIPs across the nation have projects in areas the CFSR examines. The data and evidence collected during the CFSR can be used to support CIP projects. This infographic summarizes common goals, associated CIP projects, and potential overlap with outcomes and systemic factors that are the focus of the CFSR.

The Capacity Building Center for States supports state agencies in preparing for Round 4 of the CFSRs. The Center offers publications, tools, peer networking, and technical assistance to help child welfare agencies and their partners plan and implement all phases of CFSR Round 4, from Statewide Assessment planning through Program Improvement Plan development and implementation. The Capacity Building Center for States CFSR resources page is at https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/topics/cfsr