An advocacy effort of the Youth Law Center, the Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) is a national movement for foster care system change committed to ensuring that all children in care have excellent parenting and lasting relationships so they can thrive and grow.

What is QPI? 

QPI is an approach, a philosophy, and a network of sites working to transform child welfare systems. QPI is rooted in three principles: the prioritization of excellent parenting and meaningful relationships; the use of research; and putting those with lived experiences at the center of policy change. Read more here.

QPI Advocacy Series!

This story series Power in Partnership: Elevating Shared Parenting Policies and Practices Through The Lens of Lived Experience highlights policy and practice changes across QPI sites to support birth and foster parents working together for what is in the best interest of each child and youth. 

A Closer Look

woman speaking to seated group with microphone

QPI in Action

QPI is a tool for system transformation by focusing on relationships and prioritizing connections.

Voices of QPI   

QPI is guided by those who are most directly affected by the foster care system. Participants speak regularly about their experiences with QPI and the impact it has had on their lives. Read more here.

family walking and holding hands in a field

Starting Points: Becoming a QPI Site

Learn how child welfare jurisdictions and agencies can become part of the QPI network. Read more here.

QPI Champions

Our Champions program includes an in-depth training for advocates at a growing number of sites on QPI values, theory, and techniques. Trained QPI Champions work together to disseminate QPI in their local communities. Read more here.