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…
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…
What we say to ourselves impacts our choices and behavior. What we say to others can influence their choices and actions. Imagine the outcomes if we managed to shift our mindset and narrative toward prioritizing kids! A new narrative is essential to shift societal beliefs and behaviors toward supporting families and communities in safely caring for their children. New research…
The needs of students are influenced by their intersectional identities, and for a significant number of students in the United States—nearly 1 in 5—that identity includes being a parent. New research has found that students who are also parents require specific supports to successfully care for their children and perform well academically. Researchers implemented the New Mexico College Student Experience…
Child welfare is a critical area in which challenges with confronting inequity and deep-seated issues of racism is a necessity. To assist individuals and organizations explore the impact of race and equity within the child welfare system, the Children’s Bureau has launched the “2024 Race Equity Challenge,” which consists of five interactive learning modules. These modules cover a variety of…
Don’t Just Think…Feel,” was the theme of this year’s Birth of Brilliance Conference, which aimed to celebrate and cultivate the innate brilliance in every child while addressing racial inequities and dismantling barriers hindering their potential. Project Manager Yvonne Epps attended this year’s conference representing SPI, and will be participating in the Birth of Brilliance Affinity Group to continue discussions started…