Young adults ages 18-25 experience a significant period of identity development and expression that is either nurtured or hindered by their proximity to positive community resources (PCRs) (Child Trends, 2025). For young Black individuals, new research has highlighted the effects of racial inequities on their ability to reliably access these PCRs. Within the broader context of positive experiences for young…
Throughout our work with children and families, the approach to caring for and understanding a family’s situation can often times be vague. In order to deliver the best outcomes for our community, there are several best practice lenses that should be used. The Social Policy Institute prioritizes uses of these lenses in all work we do to increase the effectiveness…
Reasonable Suspicion Requires Reasonable Action: The Courage to Think Critically Before You Report In a LinkedIn article, SPI Director Lori Clarke shared insights on how to interpret mandated reporting laws accurately and responsibly through “reasonable action.” “The Prevention Early Intervention Committee of the California Child Welfare Council is poised to lead comprehensive change in the reporting of child abuse and…
Financial worries are a potential hindrance to full engagement of staff and students in the workforce. Children, youth and families served by the nonprofit sector are counting on a fully engaged, authentic, centered, and innovative approach to receiving needed services and support. The Social Policy Institute is working to address barriers and strengthen the nonprofit sector workforce by helping organizations…
This holiday season, SPI is grateful for the chance to pause, reflect on progress, and look forward to the future alongside our partners and community. This year, we have made incredible strides collectively both locally and statewide, and we are excited to continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of children, families, and older adults throughout 2025. View…
This October, SPI celebrates the strides towards system alignment locally and across California stemming from recent work, including the statewide Mandated Reporting to Community Supporting Task Force Recommendations. Also, the SPI Wellness System team shares new details for the Integrated Core Practice Model (ICPM) training in Ventura County, and our CEAL Aging team have developed a new Issue Brief about…
In a new advisory, U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murthy discusses the state of parent stress and wellbeing, and the impact on children and family units across the nation. Parents are raising our future leaders, community members, and professionals, so it is crucial to support their wellbeing in order to ensure sustainability of family health and growth. This issue transcends…
The Social Policy Institute is thrilled to share this celebratory announcement from the Mandated Reporting to Community Supporting (MRCS) Task Force: On September 4, 2024, the voting members of the California Child Welfare Council (CWC) unanimously approved the MRCS Task Force Report, and also requested that an implementation strategy to advance the Recommendations of the Task Force be created in…