The T3C Blueprint in Motion: What the July Updates Really Mean for Agencies

When the April 2025 T3C Blueprint was released, many agencies immediately went to work aligning their policies, staffing, and documentation. But by July, the state made it clear: the pace of change isn’t slowing.

What began as broad guidance in April has already sharpened into detailed compliance criteria in July. That shift has real consequences for agencies that want to avoid High Monitoring (HM) and sustain compliance.

Key Differences Between the April & July T3C Blueprint

The April 2025 Blueprint gave agencies a foundation: it outlined the foster care continuum, defined system roles at a high level, and encouraged practices like Continuous Quality Improvement. For many, it felt like the playbook was finally in hand.

But the July 2025 Blueprint quickly raised the stakes. What was broad guidance in April became detailed compliance criteria. The foster care continuum, for example, is no longer a simple list of services; agencies must now show how they conduct placement matching, monitor progress, and provide respite—with proof, not intention.

System roles also gained sharper accountability, especially in IT coordination and data reporting. Documentation must now integrate with state systems in real time, not just during audits. Similarly, CANS 3.0 shifted from a planning tool to a credentialing checkpoint, requiring agencies to align placement decisions directly with CANS scoring.

Service packages were strengthened as well. Requirements for admission criteria, monitoring, and respite moved from “best practice” to mandatory compliance items. And CQI—once recommended—is now required, with evidence of active cycles and self-audit tools.

In short, the July Blueprint transforms compliance from event-based checks into an expectation of continuous oversight.

Closing Thought

The July 2025 Blueprint makes one thing clear: compliance in foster care is no longer a periodic event; it’s a continuous expectation. In just a few months, we saw practices shift from recommendations to requirements—proof that agencies must stay agile and attentive to policy evolution.

For leaders, the takeaway is simple: pay attention not only to what the Blueprint says today, but to how quickly those expectations can change tomorrow. Building systems that are flexible, data-informed, and child-centered is the best way to stay aligned with the Blueprint as it continues to evolve.

Staying informed is not optional; it’s the new foundation for lasting compliance and, ultimately, better outcomes for children and families.