More than ever, state child welfare agencies are focused on outcomes for the children and families they serve. Stakeholders across the board - government regulators, the media, and the public - all want to know that public investments in child welfare are achieving results. Timely performance data and flexible reporting have become critical for the policy analysis, program planning, and performance monitoring needed to stimulate innovation leading to measurable improvements in the lives of children and families.

Child welfare agencies operate in a rapidly changing environment. Meeting the needs of children and families in this dynamic setting requires rapid response and an ongoing commitment to knowledge-building. Guided by an advisory board of state public child welfare administrators, the Center for State Foster Care and Adoption Data is the only information resource dedicated to bringing the unique perspective of its members to the continually changing needs of state agencies, and to building their long-term capacity for evidence-based decisions about program investments.