“It seems so simple … the actual execution is difficult”: self-defined needs of parents entering the child welfare system

The child welfare system (CWS) aims to create safe environments by meeting parents' needs, yet few studies have considered parents' perspectives on their needs and the CWS's response to them at service delivery start. We used survey and interview data from a statewide cohort of parents entering CWS (N = 75). Using convergent mixed methodology, parents' needs coalesced around 3 areas: a chance to provide context to their situations; a clear path to successful case plan completion; and resources to meet instrumental needs. Programs that center parent voice and partnership (e.g., parent advocacy programs, frequent case reviews/communication) align with parents' desired services.