|
Welcome to the Community Connections Newsletter
|
|
I hope this Community Connections finds you well this Spring. April is National Child Abuse Prevention month. As Aprille Flint-Gerner, Deputy Director of Equity, Training and Workforce Development, and I traveled across the state this month visiting local offices, we saw blue pinwheels reminding us of the great childhoods we want for all children. More so, we were inspired by our interactions with staff, partners, and providers throughout the past month. Your commitment, dedication, and care for the work, for children and families shone bright.
The unique perspectives, insights and experiences of our community and staff help us create better programs and policies, dismantle barriers, and produce better outcomes for the children and families we serve. We serve our communities better when we effectively create a culture of inclusion that integrates the diverse experiences of our workforce, resource families and community partners.
As we put the transformation into action through the launch of Family Preservation work in Klamath and Douglas counties, and the Alberta Branch in Multnomah County, intentional engagement with those with lived experience will be more important than ever.
We are proud to be able to be a part of this amazing workforce and look forward to visiting the rest of the state soon. Thank you for the value each of you bring in helping children, families and communities thrive.
Rebecca Jones Gaston (she/her), Child Welfare Director
|
|
|
- Save the date: Next Community Connection event May 18, 2022, 3-4 p.m (link coming)
|
|
Across the state, the Child Welfare Division is putting the Vision for Transformation into Action.
In partnership with ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs, Family Preservation Services kicked off demonstrations on March 28, 2022 in these areas:
- Alberta Branch (Multnomah County)
- Klamath Falls • Douglas County
These demonstration sites offer opportunities to strengthen strategies that are working and quickly make adjustments before implementing programmatic changes statewide.
The goal of Family Preservation is to serve more families in-home and in their communities than in foster care.
Central to Family Preservation is an emphasis to center equity, safety, values-based engagement, and collaboration with families, communities and partners (Child Welfare and Self-Sufficiency) to support family well-being and stability.
You can reach the team at family.preservation@dhsoha.state.or.us and sign up to receive monthly updates.
|
|
|
|
Each month, a public report detailing specific measures of progress of the prior month is sent to Governor Kate Brown and posted online. For the month of March, some key data includes:
- The downward trend of children coming into care continues (5280, in care on Feb. 1).
- Operational strategies and additional staff are decreasing wait times at the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (ORCAH) In February, wait times decreased to an average of 4.37minutes, though there were 500 more contacts than in January.
- Learning about the Eastern Oregon Community Resource Network, a collaboration led by ODHS in Baker, Wallowa, and Union counties, providing support for families.
|
|
Prevent Child Abuse Oregon (PCAO) is dedicated to a future where all children live in safe homes and supportive communities, regardless of race, class, culture, or geography.
Our goal is to support primary prevention efforts that reduce barriers, strengthen families and center the voice of lived experience. PCAO believes that communities have the wisdom and expertise needed to create futures that are safer and healthier for all. Our goals align nicely with the Child Welfare Vision for Transformation and the Thriving Families, Safer Children initiative, both of which seek to empower community decision making and shift/share power to advance equity and inclusion. During April (Child Abuse Prevention Month) and beyond partners can show their support with a Pinwheels for Prevention campaign or by making a donation to help support our work at preventchildabuseoregon.org.
*Thanks to Prevent Child Abuse Oregon for submitting this Community Voice spot! If you would like to submit a piece for community voice, please email ChildWelfare.Director@dhsoha.state.or.us
|
|
|
|
|
|
