CWLA Advisory Committees & Projects
CWLA leverages the expertise of individuals and organizations from a variety of fields to inform and support its work.
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR POLICY AND PRACTICE
The CWLA National Commission for Policy and Practice is comprised of individuals responsible for working to support CWLA’s commitment to excellence in child welfare practice and informed public policy. The Commission facilitates member input and leadership to identify the critical issues facing the field and to articulate relevant policies and best practices that underpin quality child welfare practice that advances the safety, permanence and well-being of all children and families in, or at risk of, being involved in the child welfare system. Membership is by invitation. For additional information on Policy, contact Kati Mapa on Practice, contact Julie Collins.
MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
The purpose of CWLA’s Mental Health Advisory Board is to provide CWLA staff with guidance, assistance, and recommendations for addressing the mental health care and co-occurring substance abuse needs of children and their families, especially those known to the child welfare system. For additional information, contact Julie Collins.
CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Conference Planning Committee provides CWLA staff with guidance, assistance, and recommendations as we develop the conference theme, speakers, and programming. Committee members also assist with the review and rating of workshop proposal submissions, serve as ambassadors to help us promote the event to registrants, sponsors, and exhibitors, and assist with onsite support of session monitoring and other conference activities. For additional information, contact Julie Brite.
CHILD WELFARE JOURNAL EDITORIAL BOARD
Launched in 1921, Child Welfare journal is a scholarly, bimonthly publication keeping individuals abreast of the special problems facing millions of children who are vulnerable. Child Welfare links the latest findings in child welfare and related research with the best practice, policy, and program development into one innovative resource equally indispensable to child welfare and associated professionals. The Child Welfare Editorial Board includes individuals with a range of subject interests from throughout the country who have prestige in the field of child and family services. Editorial board members conduct peer reviews of articles; provide strategic editorial advice; act as ambassadors for the journal, sourcing potential authors, readers, and subscribers; and encourage their students and colleagues to read and cite the journal. For additional information, contact managing editor Rachel Adams.
EMERGING LEADERS COMMITTEE
The Emerging Leaders Committee is part of CWLA’s initiative to support our member agencies in the development of young professionals in their agencies. As the current generation of leaders moves into the retirement phase of their life, it is critical that we help the development of the next generation of leaders for the field. The Emerging Leaders Committee has a key role in this initiative. The aim of the committee is to advise CWLA related to strengthening the engagement of young professionals that are part of member agencies between the ages of 20 and 45. The Committee helps CWLA with its goal of supporting member organizations in building new bridges for connecting and supporting the growth of emerging leaders and providing opportunities for young professionals to build relationships, enhance their skills, and advance their career while advancing excellence in practice and policy. For additional information, contact Julie Collins.
RURAL CHILD WELFARE SERVICES COMMITTEE
The Rural Child Welfare Services Committee works to ensure that CWLA’s training, policy, practice, and networking opportunities meet the specific needs and interests of agencies and the children, parents, and families who live in rural areas. The Committee seeks to learn from the knowledge, experience, and innovation of rural agencies about working with children and families in rural communities, and to increase the knowledge base and facilitate information exchange between rural and urban agencies and with policy makers to insure better outcomes for children and families in rural communities. For additional information, contact Riva Reed.
MEMBER EQUITY COMMITTEE
The Member Equity Committee is comprised of member agency representatives who serve as an advisory group in support of efforts to advance a more equitable and just child welfare capacity. The Committee will provide input and support for the work and activities of the CWLA National Committee on Equity. The Committee is a peer-to-peer learning opportunity for members to share efforts in their organizations and communities that more intentionally advance equity. For additional information, contact Deborah Gadsden.
NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON EQUITY
The National Committee on Equity will provide guidance and advice on efforts to advance a more equitable, just child welfare system. A guiding principle of the Committee’s work will be to leverage the ideas and aspirations of youth and families and the expertise in the child welfare field to support existing and new programs and projects. The Committee will review CWLA’s National Blueprint for Excellence in Child Welfare to ensure that it more intentionally advances equity. The committee also will participate in a variety of listening sessions with families, youth in care, and key individuals from member organizations to learn about and support the work happening in our communities. For additional information, contact Deborah Gadsden.
NATIONAL RACIAL EQUITY SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE COMMITTEE
The National Racial Equity Scholars in Residence Committee will advance racial equity and justice centered research that supports CWLA’s policy, practice, and education priorities, and promote attention to racial equity and justice in child welfare-related research generally. Membership on the committee is by invitation. For additional information, contact Deborah Gadsden.
NATIONAL FATHERHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
This national committee will serve in an advisory capacity to the Senior Fellow Project, “Exploring the Importance of Father Involvement in the Well-Being of Children” led by Dr. Rufus Sylvester Lynch. The committee will work to identify current best practices in father inclusion among CWLA’s member agencies and partners, facilitate a process for peer-to-peer learning and identify resources and tools that member agencies and partners may take advantage of to support their work in serving fathers. The committee will also recommend how CWLA’s practice, policy, education, and training could be enhanced by incorporating an intentional focus on greater father involvement in the lives of children. For additional information, contact Julie Collins.
LEADERS UNITED FOR CHANGE
On January 1, 2025, the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) provided seed funding to establish the Leaders United for Change (LUC), a project of CWLA (Child Welfare League of America). The initiative’s founding members included Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders, as well as family members and youth with lived experience, who provide various services to children, youth, individuals, families, and communities. This initiative will build on and expand the far-reaching work of CWLA and improve outcomes for families throughout our communities. Leaders United for Change is dedicated to achieving and sustaining social equality and equity by fostering collaboration with stakeholders to ensure access to resources and opportunities for all. For additional information, contact Lloyd Bullard. To learn more about the project, visit the webpage.