The Annie E. Casey Foundation The Annie E. Casey Foundation

Advice to a New Child Services Leader

Posted January 1, 2011
By the Honorable James W. Payne
Get the Full Report:
Download Report
AECF Advice To A New Child Services Leader Cover1

Summary

The Honorable James W. Payne has helped children for 25 years, first as a juvenile court judge, then as director of a state child welfare agenecy. He has collected a wealth of "lessons learned" that he passes along here.

This paper conveys some of the lessons he considers to be most important, along with suggestions and tips for making your tenure as a child services leader a success. He addresses concepts of leadership, administration, communication, and data, and the things to keep in mind to ensure your mission and vision can thrive.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations

Key Takeaway

Judge Payne focuses on four categories of advice: leadership, administration, communication, and data

Since 2007, the number of at-risk children receiving in-home care or placement with relatives increased, while the number of children placed in foster care or residential facilities dropped from 7,440 to 5,531.