OMNI Institute’s Post

One of the best tools available for prevention services, cross-systems collaboration, and positive ROI. Also an obvious choice for community leaders looking to improve the SDOH's in their jurisdictions.

An increasing number of jurisdictions are creating Family Resource Centers. While these programs are sometimes known by different names, they generally focus on reducing child welfare involvement by strengthening families’ protective factors before hardship turns into crisis. Some address concrete needs such as housing, child care, and food, while others seek to reduce parental isolation by building parents’ social connections and strengthening their ability to deal with stress. This Casey Family Programs publication summarizes what we know about the role and efficacy of these programs. https://lnkd.in/e-eQnxjW

As a foster parent, I know the urgency of making child welfare a priority. The election is here, and now is the moment to act. Far too many families find themselves in a system that could be better served through community-based support rather than punitive measures. When people hear 'child protective services,' they think of tragic cases—but most families in the system aren’t in immediate danger. This reality calls for a shift in our approach: one that moves beyond crisis intervention to focus on strengthening families before they need intervention. This election, let’s vote for policies that bring real change to our child welfare system. Vote for leaders committed to transforming ‘child-rescue’ into ‘family support.’ Let’s build a future where every child and family has a chance to thrive. #FosterCareMatters #VoteForKids #ChildWelfareReform #ActNow

Doris Duke Foundation and Think of Us are hosting a virtual briefing on April 3rd for parents/lived experts on the Opt-In for Families initiative. Join JooYeun Chang, Sixto Cancel, Dee Bonnick, MSW and others to learn more about this initiative that is focused on changing the basic question animating the child welfare system from "Is this child safe" to "What do families need to thrive?"

A growing body of research shows using economic and concrete supports to help families meet basic needs can prevent unnecessary contact with the #ChildWelfare system. We explain the different ways that states are using flexible funds to provide concrete supports to families in our new policy brief: https://lnkd.in/gfpH_ARR Our brief shares recommendations to expand family and economic and concrete supports, including: 1. Provide direct cash assistance to families at risk of child welfare involvement to promote family dignity, address racial inequities, and more. 2. Engage experts with #LivedExperience to co-develop pathways for families to equitably access economic and concrete support services in their communities.

If you are a child welfare professional, I highly encourage you to read the perspectives shared in Families Belong Together: A Call to Replace the Child Welfare System. Here’s why these stories are essential to system change: 💡 Gain Perspective: Understanding the experiences of families helps us advocate effectively. 💼 Informed Advocacy: The more we know, the better we can support those navigating a challenging system. The book is now available for you to read these powerful accounts firsthand. https://hubs.la/Q02QCk4B0

Engaging youth and families involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) requires a deeply human approach encompassing the depth of their experiences. Read about the important considerations for child welfare social workers when engaging with and supporting impacted parents at risk of losing their children and those working toward reunification in this piece by Tiffany Meredith. https://hubs.ly/Q02R_2HY0

Check out the latest letter from our CEO, Vicki Spriggs, on National Kinship Care Month. Discover the vital role kinship caregivers play in providing support to children. Vicki shares insightful perspectives on the challenges and rewards of kinship care, as well as important resources for child welfare advocates. Read the full article at bit.ly/LetterFromTheCEOSep

Are we truly listening to grandfamily caregivers? Nationwide, for every 19 children living with relatives, only 1 is part of the child welfare system. Why do 18 out of 19 children remain in informal care? Discover the real reasons behind this disparity and what we can do to better support these families. Dive into our latest article to learn more about the challenges and potential solutions for kinship care. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eRZ5j7Qw

 TheMothershp doesn’t just focus on the children; it empowers the entire ecosystem surrounding them. By equipping biological families, foster parents, and social workers with actionable insights, the platform enhances their capacity to provide support. This empowerment leads to a more informed, cohesive approach to care, enabling all involved to make decisions that are in the best interest of the child’s welfare. https://lnkd.in/euVh9zyq