Child Welfare Research Partnerships: Understanding Data Use Practices for Continuous Quality Improvement

The Child Welfare Research Partnerships (CWRP) funding opportunity, administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), supports cooperative agreements to foster collaboration between research organizations and Title IV-E agencies. The program's primary aim is to explore innovative practices in data utilization for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in child welfare systems. These 48-month agreements will emphasize using existing information systems to generate, process, and apply evidence for improving child welfare practices, outcomes, and operational efficiency. The total program funding is estimated at $8 million, with awards ranging from $800,000 to $1.6 million each. Up to five awards are anticipated. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and other specified entities. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible. Applications must demonstrate active collaboration throughout the project, involving Title IV-E agencies and research partners in all phases of the study to ensure relevance and applicability. Key focus areas for supported research include system operations, program development, practice improvements, and decision-making processes within Title IV-E agencies. Projects should build capacity at the local level to generate actionable data evidence, address child and family needs, and support strategic decision-making. Applications are due by May 13, 2025, with an expected project start date of September 30, 2025. Applicants must submit proposals electronically through Grants.gov and comply with all application guidelines, including eligibility and registration requirements. Faith-based organizations meeting eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply under nondiscriminatory conditions as stipulated by federal regulations. For further details, applicants can contact Pooja Curtin at 202-205-7922 or via email at pooja.curtin@acf.hhs.gov. This opportunity underscores ACF’s commitment to enhancing child welfare systems through evidence-based research and collaborative partnerships.