Our Strategies for Change

Partners for Our Children uses four integrated strategies to promote collaboration within the state child welfare community and improve the lives of children in foster care.

Conducting Relevant Research And Policy Analysis

POC collects, analyzes and provides data and other information that identifies effective policies, programs and practices that positively impact the families and children involved in the child welfare system. This information is essential for lawmakers, program administrators, practitioners and providers to make critical decisions that involve the future of foster children and their families.

Promoting Innovative And Evidence-Based Practices

New and exciting policy, program and practice ideas are constantly surfacing in the child welfare community. POC conducts careful and rigorous evaluation of these new ideas through research, pilot programs and open discussions with key stakeholders. Our goal is to provide the resources needed to move these creative ideas into the real world and accomplish real change.

Supporting Workforce Excellence

Child welfare professionals play a pivotal role in the future of vulnerable children and their families. Positive outcomes require outstanding professionals, paraprofessionals and caregivers — as well as the scholars committed to expanding workforce knowledge. POC explores, shares and supports innovative ways to recruit, educate and retain the best and brightest who will move the profession forward and transform the frontline services children and families experience.

Building Awareness Through Communications

The first prerequisite for change is awareness. POC works with its partners and child-welfare stakeholders to facilitate frank and open discussions about pressing issues, communicate research results and best practices, and update relevant parties on progress and setbacks on our key initiatives. We also work to keep the public informed on important milestones in our progress and groundbreaking research that tells the stories of children in the foster care system.