Child Welfare Relevance Ratings

This proposed rating system examines the target population for which the program was developed and the child welfare outcomes that were examined in its evaluations, and then assigns a rating to each. These ratings can then be summed for an overall Child Welfare Rating. A lower score indicates a greater level of relevance to child welfare.

Relevance to Child Welfare Populations

1 - High

The program was designed, or is commonly used, to meet the needs of children, youth, young adults, and/or families receiving child welfare services.

2 - Medium

The program was designed, or is commonly used, to serve children, youth, young adults, and/or families who are similar to child welfare populations (i.e., in history, demographics, or presenting problems) and likely include current and former child welfare services recipients.

3 - Low

The program was designed, or is commonly used, to serve children, youth, young adults, and/or families with little or no apparent similarity to the child welfare services population.

Relevance to Child Welfare Outcomes - based on peer-reviewed studies (published or in press)

The program evaluation had measures relevant to safety.

Children are, first and foremost, protected from abuse and neglect.
Children are safely maintained in their homes whenever possible and appropriate.

The program evaluation had measures relevant to permanency.

Children have permanency and stability in their living situations.
The continuity of family relationships and connections is preserved for families.

The program evaluation had measures relevant to child and family well-being.

Families have enhanced capacity to provide for their children's needs.
Children receive appropriate services to meet their educational needs.
Children receive adequate services to meet their physical and mental health needs.