Issues
Targets for System Change
- The proportion of public child welfare funding allocated for prevention / family preservation services will continue to increase
- ACS will acknowledge and develop a conscious strategy to address and counteract the pervasive influence of systemic racism in child welfare decision-making
- Indicators of parent involvement in child welfare service planning, such as rates of parent participation in Service Plan Reviews and meeting / exceeding minimal parent / child visitation requirements, will increase.
- Increasing numbers of parents will serve in meaningful consulting and oversight roles with ACS and they will exert a direct impact on public policy development.
- Alternative models of legal representation featuring reasonable caseloads and training, supervisory, clerical, investigative, and social work supports will be developed and offered to parent respondents in the Family Court.
- Growing numbers of child and family service providers, legal, and advocacy organizations will employ parents in meaningful staff and Board roles.
