FAQ
What is meant by a state's "policy?"
The Database utilizes a definition of "policy" that is broader than strictly legislation and state statutes, and can include information from administrative code, child welfare agency (or other public agency) policy manuals, or other written guidance that the state uses.
Depending on how data was collected for a particular topic, the definition of "policy" may vary. For example, one survey might request that respondents at each state reflect on the laws in their state when answering questions, while another survey instrument might ask respondents to think of a broader set of written guidance in determining how to respond to the questions posed.
Given the variation in data collection methods that may populate this Database, we include a description of each source to assist in clarifying the meaning of "policy" for that particular topic. See below for an explanation of the data sources of each topic currently on the site.
What is the source of the policy information contained on this website?
Policy information included in this database was gleaned from several sources.
Child Welfare Financing: The information on child welfare financing was gathered through a national survey conducted by Child Trends of all 50 states and the District of Columbia regarding their federal, state, and local child welfare expenditures in SFY 2006. The survey results were published in a report, Federal, State, and Local Spending to Address Child Abuse and Neglect in SFY 2006, with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Casey Family Programs.
Kinship Care: The information on kinship care was also gathered through a national survey conducted by Child Trends of all 50 states and the District of Columbia regarding their kinship care policies. The survey was designed to identify states' official policies on kinship care based on state law, agency regulations, or other written policy guidance. The survey results were published in a report, State Kinship Care Policies for Children that Come to the Attention of Child Welfare Agencies, which provides a detailed description of the methodology of the survey as well as the actual survey instrument. The report discusses the wide variation, and related complexities, of kinship policies and identifies certain limitations of the data gathered due the many nuances associated with kinship care.
For additional information about state laws or pending legislation on kinship care, please visit Grandfamilies State Law and Policy Resource Center. This database is hosted by Generations United and the American Bar Association.
Older Youth in Foster Care: The information regarding older youth in foster care was obtained from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. The data is based on national survey data presented in a 2009 report, Review of State Policies and Programs to Support Young People Transitioning Out of Foster Care. For this survey, respondents were asked to respond to questions based on the laws in their state.
Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect, Domestic Violence, and Mandatory Reporters: The data in these sections are derived from Child Welfare Information Gateway's State Statutes Series. Child Welfare Information Gateway is a service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For additional information on state statutes related to a variety of child welfare topics, please visit: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state.
Differential Response: The data in the "Differential Response" section are derived from the National Quality Improvement Center on Differential Response in Child Protective Services, operated by the American Humane Association under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau. The data from a 2009 survey of states were summarized in the report, "Online Survey of State Differential Response Policies and Practices Findings Report" (June 2009). The QIC has received updated information for certain states since the survey was conducted, and that information is reflected here whenever possible. For additional information on state policies related to differential response, please access the report at: http://www.differentialresponseqic.org/assets/docs/qic-dr-findings-report-jun09.pdf
How frequently is the current information updated?
The policy information contained on this website will be updated upon the completion of additional data gathering, including national surveys and data sharing arrangements.
Will additional policy information be available on this website?
New policy topics will be included upon the completion of additional national surveys in the near future. We are actively seeking to create data-sharing partnerships with research organizations and others to enhance the scope and quality of information available on this website.
Where can I find additional child welfare policy information?
Other sources for state child welfare policy information can be found in the Resources section of this website.
If I want to report a change in policy that has occurred in my state, or have a question about my state's information on this database, what should I do?
The staff person responsible for managing this website can be contacted at policydatabase@childtrends.org. Please don't hesitate to send a message to this email address with any questions about the information you see on the site, or if you want to share information about a change in your state.
