Child Welfare

This factsheet (PDF, 4 pages) briefly describes the advantages and challenges youth in foster care may encounter when using social media. Issues that should be considered and tips for handling issues are also offered. Learn more.    

This fact sheet (PDF, 4 pages) provides data and information on the National AMBER Alert Network, its various initiatives, and training programs. The report documents some of the major expansions and achievements of the National AMBER Alert Network, including communication channels for alerts, a newsletter for child protection professionals, and ...

This document (PDF, 16 pages) features the work of an Arizona Child Abduction Response Team that exemplifies the value of a well-structured, well-sustained Child Abduction Response Team. The front lines story details the power of an 'SOS' social media post in alerting law enforcement to two abducted Texas teens. It ...

This publication (PDF, 6 pages) provides an overview of state laws on efforts to curtail the practice of some adoptive parents placing their adopted children into the custody of unrelated persons without the oversight of a child welfare agency or court. Such transfers put a child at risk of abuse, ...

This literature review focuses on substance use disorder (SUD) among youth under 18 and on the utilization of substance use treatment programs. The review describes the scope of substance use among youth, the theoretical base of substance use treatment programs, risk factors that can lead to SUDs, and protective factors ...

This factsheet (PDF, 9 pages) describes adoption-specific services and resources available to potential adoptive parents to meet the needs of their child or youth before the adoption and in the years to come. Learn more.  

This bulletin (PDF, 5 pages) equips stepparents interested in adoption with the necessary steps to consider when formally adopting a spouse’s child. It discusses legal issues associated with stepparent adoption, as well as the adoption of a foreign spouse’s child. The bulletin includes the steps required to prepare for the ...

This webpage highlights key topics and resources related to Tribal child welfare, including historic and current policies that may harm Native American communities. Learn more.  

This brief (PDF, 20 pages) reviews the eligibility pathways that enable children and youth in foster care to receive Medicaid or other health-care coverage. The brief includes resources to help youth and young adults understand their health-care options. It also provides resources for child welfare agencies to assist children, youth, ...

This handbook (PDF, 117) is for military caregivers experiencing separation or divorce. The handbook provides information caregivers might need regarding paternity establishment, child support, access and visitation, and child custody. First line supervisors and military commanders may also use this as a helpful addition to a leadership toolkit. Learn more ...