This article highlights emerging parent representation models that expedite the safe reunification of children already in foster care.

This article describes several parent partner/advocate programs operating around the United States, including programs that train parents to serve as parent mentors and programs that train parent leaders to sit at the decision-making table and influence child welfare policy.

This report is an outcome of the Hand In Hand Parent Meeting held in Melbourne, Australia on 19 September 2018. It shares the stories of parents with intellectual disabilities.

The following research study aimed to discover the relationships and contributions that parent partners have in the reunification process of parents and children within the child welfare system.

This issue of A Closer Look examines:

This evaluation study was conducted in an effort to learn more about the innovative parent organizing model implemented by the Child Welfare Organizing Project (CWOP) in East Harlem, New York City and identify the role and impact of CWOP community representatives on birthparents, families, and child safety conference outcomes.

As an outgrowth of Casey’s ongoing work with birth parents, Research Services and Technical Assistance Unit collaborated to review strategies and programs that increase birth parent engagement with child welfare services and that develop effective child welfare partnerships with birth parents as mentors, leaders and advisers. 

This Churchill Fellowship has explored family inclusion initiatives in the USA, Canada, Norway and the UK and has found that family inclusion is a pathway to better outcomes for children and young people including restoration and permanency.

This Casey Family Programs issue brief looks at the use of peer mentors (“parent partners”) who work with parents entering in and engaging with the child welfare system.

The Parent Partner Program Navigator guides child welfare administrators, staff, and parent leaders through key components of designing and implementing successful parent partner programs. Developed collaboratively with experienced parent partners and program coordinators, the Navigator offers guidance and capacity building resources based on research, practice experience, and implementation science.