Policy & Practice | Fall 2025

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By Paige Rosemond

Enhancing CFSR Preparation and Performance with AI and Machine Learning

F or state agencies responsible for protecting and serving communi ties across the nation, the stakes are high. When a child welfare system is not performing optimally, the impact can be profound. To maintain continuous improvement, states undergo periodic evaluations for federal accountability and quality improvement. However, the federal review process—the Child and Family Service Review (CFSR) adminis tered by the Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF)—comes with its own set of burdens and issues. The goal of the CFSR is to ensure that state child welfare systems are effectively promoting the safety, per manency, and well-being of children and families. Its process includes: n Statewide Assessment: Each state conducts a self-assessment to evaluate its performance in key areas. n Onsite Review: Federal and state teams visit selected sites within the state to conduct interviews, review case files, and gather additional data. n Program Improvement Plan (PIP): Based on the findings of the review, states develop and implement a PIP to address identified areas for improvement. n Final Report: ACF issues a final report summarizing the review findings and highlighting best prac tices and areas needing attention. The Challenges Despite its noble goals, the CFSR process is an imperfect tool that poses significant challenges to states.

requirements strain the capacity of even the well-equipped agencies. n The periodic nature of the review cycle introduces another set of challenges. Evaluations conducted at specific intervals can overlook ongoing issues and emerging trends, delaying the identification of critical problems and the implemen tation of solutions. Consequently, children and families may not receive timely interventions, leading to negative outcomes. The absence of continuous monitoring fosters a reactive environment,

n One of the most pressing is the complex and resource-intensive nature of the evaluations. States struggle to allocate the necessary resources, including staff time; the allocation of skilled manpower; and financial investment. This burden is especially pronounced for smaller agencies with limited budgets. Prioritizing comprehensive reviews while managing these constraints can divert attention and resources from direct service delivery to families in need. The extensive data analysis and documentation

Illustration by Chris Campbell

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Policy & Practice Fall 2025