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Casey Family Programs is a nonpartisan resource for federal and state public policy leaders on the issues facing children and families in the child welfare system.

This white paper argues that the way the federal government funds child welfare services is in need of reform. Casey believes policy makers should:

1. Align funding with outcomes
   Currently, federal child welfare funds are aligned by service type.
2. Ensure equitable access
   De-link eligibility for child welfare funds from the defunct AFDC program. We also support streamlining the financing for tribal child welfare systems.
3. Ensure and expand permanency services
   Federal child welfare funds should support a range of options for keeping children in permanent homes.
4. Build in accountability
   States should be assessed and measured on child welfare outcomes. Accountability should not be overly burdensome or create more paperwork for caseworkers.
5. Use incentives and penalties
   Any penalty levied by the federal government upon states, based on reviews, should be reinvested in improved outcomes.