Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Advancing Child Welfare and Family Well-Being Nationwide
Since 1920, we have been a national leader dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children, youth, and families through innovative policies and practices. Our coalition of hundreds of public and private agencies works collaboratively to address systemic challenges in child welfare, advocating for equitable solutions that prioritize safety, stability, and support. With over a century of experience, we provide research-driven training programs, develop national standards of excellence, and host conferences that shape the future of child welfare systems across America. Our team of experts delivers consultation services to strengthen organizational capacity, while our advocacy efforts influence federal policies that directly impact vulnerable populations. Through peer-reviewed publications and the National Research Agenda, we bridge the gap between academic insights and practical implementation, ensuring child-serving professionals have access to cutting-edge resources.Our strategic partnerships with organizations like Relias expand access to critical educational tools, empowering caregivers and systems to achieve better outcomes. As a trusted authority in the field, we maintain transparency in operations, uphold ethical standards, and prioritize community-driven approaches that respect cultural diversity. Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in our 2026 Strategic Plan, which calls for collective action to address contemporary challenges facing American families. By fostering collaboration between policymakers, practitioners, and communities, we strive to create lasting systemic change that benefits millions of children nationwide.
Services
Advocacy
Training Programs
Conferences
Research Initiatives
Consultation Services
Publications
Policy Development
Child Welfare Standards
Community Support
Strategic Planning
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of specialized expertise in child welfare systems improvement
- Our coalition includes hundreds of public and private child-serving agencies nationwide
- We develop national standards that shape child welfare practices across America
- Our advocacy directly influences federal child welfare policy decisions
- We provide research-backed training programs for child welfare professionals
Services
Policy Advocacy
We educate Congress and shape federal policies affecting child welfare systems. Our advocacy team works directly with policymakers to implement evidence-based reforms that protect vulnerable children and support families. This includes developing policy briefs, organizing congressional briefings, and mobilizing our network of member agencies to advocate for systemic change.
Professional Training
We deliver comprehensive training programs for child welfare professionals nationwide. Our curriculum covers best practices in family preservation, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive services. Through webinars, in-person workshops, and online learning modules, we equip practitioners with skills to create prevention-focused systems of care that reduce child maltreatment.
Research Initiatives
We conduct and disseminate research to advance child welfare knowledge. Our National Research Agenda identifies critical gaps in child welfare systems and informs innovative solutions. Through the Research Highway platform, we connect practitioners with actionable insights that improve outcomes for children and families across diverse communities.
Standards Development
We establish national standards of excellence for child welfare practices. Our evidence-based guidelines help organizations implement consistent, effective care models that prioritize child safety and family stability. These standards serve as benchmarks for quality improvement and accreditation across public and private child-serving agencies.
Organizational Consultation
We provide tailored consultation services to strengthen child-serving organizations. Our experts help agencies improve service delivery through system redesign, staff development, and implementation of trauma-informed practices. This includes strategic planning support and technical assistance to enhance organizational effectiveness and better serve vulnerable populations.
Questions
What is CWLA's primary mission?
Our mission is to advance equity through policies and practices that ensure the well-being of children, youth, families, and communities by improving child welfare systems nationwide.
How does CWLA influence child welfare policy?
We educate Congress and work with policymakers to shape federal legislation affecting child welfare, advocating for evidence-based reforms that protect vulnerable children and support families.
What training programs do you offer?
We provide research-backed training on family preservation, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive services through webinars, workshops, and online modules for child welfare professionals.
How can organizations benefit from CWLA membership?
Member agencies gain access to professional development resources, national networking opportunities, research insights, and discounted training programs to enhance their child welfare service delivery.
What publications does CWLA produce?
We publish peer-reviewed journals, policy briefs, and practice guides that share the latest child welfare research and best practices with professionals in the field.
