Leading Policy Change

Casey Family Services is committed to making broad improvements to the child welfare field, and the agency recognizes that policy leadership is an effective strategy to realize this vision. This commitment stems from the observed success of our direct service models, identified issues, and the recognition that alone, Casey can never serve all the children who might benefit from its services.

Casey Family Services promotes policy change by partnering with organizations and advocates on the local, state, and national level. In addition, it elevates the voices of those served by the agency, connecting them with policymakers in key public systems.

Casey Family Services does not engage in direct lobbying efforts, nor does it advocate for specific legislation; however, the agency shares lessons learned from our own consumers and practitioners, as well as promising practices from around the country, to support the implementation of relevant legislation and to develop systems that can respond to the issues of vulnerable children and families.

The agency’s policy agenda is focused on promising policies and advocacy strategies that advance lifelong families for vulnerable children and families with a special emphasis on those involved with, or at risk of involvement with, the child welfare system. Issues important to this agency include:

Promoting Adequate Legal Representation

Casey Family Services promotes promising practices in legal representation to ensure that children and parents each receive adequate counsel during their engagement with child welfare and court systems.

Ending Poverty and Neglect

Casey Family Services brings together child welfare and allied systems in order to increase understanding about poverty-related determinations of child neglect, so that children do not enter foster care unnecessarily.

Ensuring Racial and Ethnic Equity

The agency supports research, promotes understanding, and shares data on reducing disparities in opportunity and achievement within low-income communities of color and ethnic diversity.

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