About the Practice Model

The Practice Model and the theoretical foundation on which it is based were developed in partnership with communities and Tribes through a comprehensive process of identifying and addressing key systemic barriers to improved outcomes for children and families.

"Partnership, Culture and Humility are the foundation of the Practice Model.They are the active ingredients for change at both practice and system levels to achieve improved outcomes."

— CFPM Program Manual

The Practice Model is not linear. Rather all parts work together and build on each other. This Graphic Illustration depicts the concentric connections.

The core components of the model include:

  • A theoretical framework, Partnership, Culture and Humility, that provides the foundation for the model
  • A set of guiding values and principles for all actions
  • A front-line practice approach including core elements and practice behaviors that inform and guide all interactions with children, families, communities and Tribes, and
  • A set of leadership behaviors that ensure the model is demonstrated and reflected at all levels of the organization and system

While the CFPM serves as a guide for daily interactions among staff, leadership, children, families, and community and Tribal partners who are working together to achieve improved outcomes, there is appropriate flexibility and professional discretion to support effective casework practice.

The following building blocks provide the stage-based approach that has been used for successful implementation of the Child and Family Practice Model. This website includes a page for each of these stages of CFPM implementation with many tips, tools and resources shared in the links on the right side of the page. The links include readiness worksheets, tip sheets, CFPM Training Resources, CFPM Coaching Guide, CFPM Fidelity Assessment Toolkit, and more. For a comprehensive CFPM program manual which brings together all of the resources and information on this website, please visit the ACF website.