AN INTRODUCTION TO CHILD WELFARE FUNDING, AND HOW STATES USE IT

AN INTRODUCTION TO CHILD WELFARE FUNDING, AND HOW STATES USE IT

Child welfare agencies in the United States are charged with ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of children who have been abused or neglected, and those who are at risk of abuse or neglect. The services provided by states and by counties vary widely, and include services for children and families to prevent abuse and neglect, child protective services such as family assessments and investigations, providing payments and supports for out of home placements such as foster care or kinship care, and adoption and guardianship services and supports for children and families.