Chapin Hall

Innovative policy calls for equally innovative tools to ensure that the policy achieves its intended results. Since the Family First Prevention Services Act was passed, Chapin Hall has applied its experience in practice, program development and evaluation to develop the tools that jurisdictions need to make this policy work. Part 1 of our toolkit focuses on planning and readiness. Part 2, below, focuses on implementation and change management. Part 3 focuses on evaluating and improving quality.

Design Implementation Plans Develop Communication Strategies Map and Refine Business Processes Craft and Align Policy 
 

Design Implementation Plans 

Family First Implementation Workplan Template: This resource is designed to inform the establishment and defined responsibilities of common Family First implementation teams and workgroups. Jurisdictions are encouraged to customize this template to align with their jurisdictional context and implementation strategy.

Develop Communication Strategies

Family First Communications Strategy Case Managers:  This document orients case managers and supervisors to key Family First provisions; clarifies those provisions’ implications within the South Carolina child welfare context; and identifies practice areas impacted by the legislation. Jurisdictions can use this as a model for communication plans. The Capacity Building Center for States and the South Carolina Department of Social Services jointly developed this tool with Chapin Hall.

Family First Communications Courts and Judicial Partners: This document orients courts and judicial partners to key Family First provisions; clarifies those provisions’ implications within the South Carolina child welfare context; and identifies practice areas impacted by the legislation. Jurisdictions can use this as a model for a communication plan with this audience. The Capacity Building Center for States and the South Carolina Department of Social Services jointly developed this tool with Chapin Hall.

Map and Refine Business Processes

Business Process Mapping Overview: Business process mapping enables stakeholders to identify the end-to-end activities needed to successfully implement key provisions of Family First. This tool provides an overview of the purpose of business process mapping, guidelines for developing a business process map, and select examples.

Candidacy Case Considerations Table: This tool helps identify key aspects of the case practice considerations reflected within prevention plan development and may be used to structure discussion with practice experts and stakeholder groups.

Evidence-Based Programs Desk Guide: Connecting children, youth, and families to the services they need is critical, but it can be a challenge for child welfare agencies and community providers. The Evidence-Based Practice Desk Guide allows case workers and providers to ensure a good fit between clients and the services they receive.  

Craft and Align Policy

Policy Analysis Template: The policy analysis tool helps identify the extent to which existing policies, procedures, training, and other directives align with Family First and related system transformation efforts. Identifying gaps or discrepancies informs where a jurisdiction may need new or revised policies, procedures, training, and other directives.

Policy Analysis Strategy Deck: A companion to the Policy Analysis Template, agencies can use this deck to walk through a strategy for assessing and aligning policy directives with Family First requirements and expectations.

For more information about these tools or to work with us to implement Family First, email us at FamilyFirstChapin@Chapinhall.org.