The Breakthrough Series Collaborative is a methodology adapted from the health care field; it originated with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the Associates in Process Improvement (API) in 1995.
In a year-long process sponsored by Casey Family Programs, teams from around the country focus on an “intractable” issue in child welfare practice. The teams test multiple ideas, strategies, and tools on a very small scale in their pilot sites. They simultaneously share learnings with other teams via the Internet, phone conferences, and three two-day meetings.
The most successful field-tested and measurable strategies and tools are then rapidly introduced throughout the teams’ jurisdictions or systems.
- In 2000, Casey partnered with the IHI for its first BSC called “Improving Healthcare for Children in Foster Care.”
- In 2002, Casey partnered with the Packard Foundation for a second BSC called “Recruiting and Retaining Resource Families.”
- In 2004, Casey launched its third BSC on Kinship Care.
- In 2006, the organization initiated a BSC to address the disproportionate representation of youth of color in the child welfare system.
To learn more about Casey's Breakthrough Series Collaboratives, click the links in the right margin.