The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), in partnership with the Center on Early Education and Development (CEED), have published the Winter 2012 edition of CW360°, entitled "Using a Developmental Approach in Child Welfare Practice." The print version includes an insert providing an overview of the Science Museum of Minnesota's exhibit, Wonder Years: The Science of Early Childhood Development, and gives the reader free admission to the exhibit gallery. (Please note: This is not available in the online PDF version.)

CW360° is a magazine-length, standalone publication which uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine a prominent issue in the field of child welfare. The publication is meant to provide front line workers, as well as child and family advocates, access to current research and practice methods.

As indicated by the title, this edition highlights the importance of understanding how child development is impacted by child maltreatment at a young age, and what workers and agencies can do to ameliorate the effects of maltreatment on young children. Readers will walk away with a better understanding of how developmental science can inform policy and practice, and how data collecting and sharing can improve the care provided to children and their families. Additionally, this issue provides several examples of existing interventions based on developmental research that can be used with young children who have experienced maltreatment. Finally, perspectives of foster families and the court system, among others, are included.

To view past editions of CW360°, click here.