Human Development
Child Welfare
Every year more than 700,000 children are abused or neglected, and each day 1,200 children are removed from their families to enter foster care. The consequences of child maltreatment can be profound and may endure long after the abuse or neglect occurs, affecting various aspects of an individual's development (physical, cognitive, psychological, and behavioral), yet fewer than four in ten abused or neglected children and families receive necessary services (including trauma-informed mental health services) and supports to overcome challenges.
AIR builds the capacity of county, state, and tribal child welfare organizations to effectively utilize data to improve quality assurance and safety, permanency, mental health and well-being outcomes for children and their families. AIR promotes culturally competent policies, evidence-based practices, and systemic approaches that are informed by family and youth perspectives, to strengthen and support children and families, prevent crises from occurring, and ensure children’s placement in safe, permanent families. AIR fosters collaboration among human service systems, recognizing that strengthening families and preventing child abuse requires a shared commitment of individuals and organizations in every community.
