California Partners for Permanency/Child and Family Practice Model

The Child and Family Practice Model was inspired and co-created by four California counties and their agency, community, and Tribal partners as part of the Permanency Innovations Initiative. The model (Practice Model or CFPM) is a comprehensive and culturally responsive approach to both practice and system level change. It is designed to improve safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes for all children and reduce disparities in outcomes for communities and Tribes whose children are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system.

Like the coming together of two rivers, each with its own colors, current and dynamic force, a new path is formed when agency and community partners come together. Neither loses depth or diversity in the joining, rather together we gain new perspectives and opportunities as we work together to achieve shared outcomes.

CFPM Background

Despite caseload decline, improved placement stability, and an increase in kinship care, the number of children that age out of the system has risen since the beginning of the decade. In California, and around much of the nation, data show certain populations of children are more likely to age out of foster care without permanency – often facing uncertain futures. Critical gaps in understanding and responding to the needs of children disproportionately represented in the child welfare system were found in literature and system reviews and lifted up in community dialogue. All revealed that the historical trauma and cultural traditions, beliefs and values of many families, communities and Tribes were being disregarded at both practice and system levels. The Child and Family Practice Model was developed to address this need.

For a complete CFPM Program Manual, which brings together many of the resources included throughout this website, please visit the ACF website.

Resources

The following links provide more detailed background information on the Practice Model, the partnership approach, and the use of implementation science.

Acknowledgements

The learnings, ideas, tools and resources shared here and in the CFPM Program Manual are a direct reflection of the expertise, commitment, and passion of the following California child welfare agencies, their staff and leadership, and their community and Tribal partners. It is with thanks and appreciation that all of their meaningful contributions are acknowledged and shared.

Fresno County
Humboldt County
Los Angeles County (Pomona and Wateridge offices)
Santa Clara County

The Child and Family Practice Model was developed as part of a 5-year, federally funded project to reduce long-term foster care. The contents, resources and materials posted on this website are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Children’s Bureau, which funded the CAPP/CFPM project under Cooperative Agreement 90CT0153. For additional information not contained on this website, please contact us.

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