Initiatives
Creating system-wide, sustainable change in the child welfare system
Over
the past decade, the Foundation has invested significant financial and
staff resources in an array of initiatives to accelerate reform in the
child welfare systems in California and Washington. We have learned
that there are critical activities and resources beyond traditional
grant making that are necessary to make significant and lasting change
in the lives of children affected by the child welfare system.
The key elements of success across each of our initiatives include:
Embracing audacious, clear and compelling goals.
Identifying and supporting technical assistance providers to help front-line social workers change their social work practice.
Supplying regular opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. Nothing spreads hope, good practice and creative funding ideas faster or deeper.
Identifying key leaders and deepening investment with those who have figured out how to move their systems.
Providing a small amount of flexible funding.
Investing in outcome and accountability systems.
Engaging and sustaining relationships with public and private co-investors.
Our current initiatives are:
Safe Starts
Ensuring that infants and toddlers in foster care receive the supports they need for healthy brain development and to create secure attachments to caring adults.
California Connected by 25
Creating a comprehensive array of services and supports to improve outcomes for youth aging
out of foster care.
California Permanency for Youth Project
Ensuring that no youth leaves foster care without a lifelong connection to a caring and committed adult.
Co-Investment Partnership
Ensuring a coordinated approach to the investments needed to substantially improve the child welfare outcomes of safety, permanency and well being in California.
Family to Family
Improving outcomes for children, families and communities impacted by the child welfare system through a comprehensive set of reform strategies.
College Pathways (formerly Guardian Scholars)
Providing an array of comprehensive supports and services to support former foster youth in their pursuit and attainment of a college education.
Ready to Succeed
Improving the educational outcomes and opportunities for foster children from preschool through high school in California.