Description
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is seeking applications for the Foster Parents Network Analytics Hub (HUB) to support child welfare agencies in improving their ability to utilize data to focus on foster home dynamics. The HUB will provide advanced analytics tools and intensive technical assistance to optimize foster parent networks. The project aims to achieve a foster home-to-child ratio of more than 1:1 in every state by 2029. Key activities include building knowledge and capacity, providing training and technical assistance, promoting standardization and replicability, and serving as a national resource.
• The HUB will develop a secure, accessible analytics platform integrated with state Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System and Comprehensive Child Welfare Information Systems (SACWIS/CCWIS).
• The HUB will deliver rapid technical assistance to help states analyze foster home dynamics, identify capacity gaps, develop targeted retention strategies, and improve placement matching.
• The HUB will prioritize immediate deployment, measurable impact, and sustainable capacity building.
• The project will establish standardized definitions for "active" vs. "inactive" homes, entry and exit points in the foster home lifecycle, and types of foster homes.
• The HUB will utilize output from analytic outputs to inform agency operations, improve placement decision-making, and enhance overall system management.