Dear Friends,
Welcome to the new abnormal at Children’s Bureau. Our 2019-2020 impact report reflects a year that began with a business as usual mantra that was quickly replaced by a heroic shift in how we do our business. What remained constant, however, is child abuse and neglect. In fact, the pandemic only escalated this horrific reality for thousands of children in our community.
But there is hope for these children...and that hope is Children’s Bureau. During this unprecedented time, I have seen increased empathy for each other when physical interaction decreased. I have seen incredible creativity in how we connect with vulnerable children and families in meaningful ways. And I have seen a collective commitment to do more and to stand for what is right.
As conversations about systemic racism arose, Children’s Bureau listened and resolved to do better. The work of our board’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee continued to foster forward-thinking changes at a leadership level. This year, a new DEI task force for staff was created along with various team cohorts that participate in guided learning and sharing discussions. We also began implementing trauma-informed care practices that complement our culturally enhanced programs and services.
This year also saw numerous tools, resources, and systems developed to augment our employees’ work experience. Staff can access Children’s Bureau University for a variety of helpful modules while Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other online tools are now the norm for everyday communication. In fact, our investment in technology over the past few years was a key factor in our ability to shift our entire workforce of nearly 500 to work remotely in just three days.
It’s truly been a year of heroic innovation, compassion, and perseverance. I am deeply grateful to you — our donors, supporters, corporate and community partners — who continue to stand with us in protecting vulnerable children. Thank you for being a hero of hope as we couldn’t do this work without you.
With deep appreciation,
Children’s Bureau takes pride in its unique approach to child abuse prevention. Through advocacy efforts and a focus on primary prevention, we strive to provide the upmost effective and culturally competent services to families.
This year, the COVID-19 outbreak devastated families worldwide and we have yet to see the long-term effects. Through good times and moments of loss and uncertainty, one thing remained true; Children’s Bureau is there for the most vulnerable families and communities. Here are some of the moments where Children’s Bureau shined.
As leaders looked for anchors of hope, Children’s Bureau continued to be called upon as an expert and collaborator across all areas of the agency.
Research shows that zip codes, family income and parent education levels determine a child’s risk of abuse. Children’s Bureau strives to ensure that the early environments children grow up in are safe no matter what factors are in place. The dollars, hours and hundreds of people that came together to make this possible are more than a number. They are a symbol of hope. Thanks to supporters like you, this is the impact we made this year.
Family Foster Care and Adoption|Families Brought Together
Meet the Goolsby-Kerrigan Family
Read about Kristina and Maeve’s family journey and how they welcomed their daughter Coco into their hearts and home.
Mental Health Services|Children and Parents Learning Together
Prevention Programs|Communities Brought Together
FAF Software
Framework for Healthy Families
Poverty, isolation, domestic violence and mental illness are just some of the risk factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect. Protective factors are the positive counterpoint to risk factors that provide a framework for defining child abuse prevention. For example, 84% of 2020 graduates from our Family Enrichment Program strengthened at least one protective factor. Here is a program-wide snapshot for each protective factor.
For more information about the protective factors, please visit the Center for the Study of Social Policy at cssp.org.
Our high-quality, effective services would not be possible without the support of our generous volunteer leaders. Time after time, these individuals have demonstrated a passionate commitment to the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and families. Thank you for helping us pave the way for a brighter future for children.
2019/2020 Volunteer Leadership
Board of Directors
Chair
Patrick NiemannVice Chairs
Mike BurkeTreasurer/Vice Chair
Matt WilsonDirectors
Adrian ButlerBoard of Trustees – Los Angeles
Chair
O. Jacob BobekVice Chairs
Steven MooreTreasurer
Randall L. BortSecretary
Damon FisherTrustees
Greg BarnesBoard of Trustees – Orange County
Chair
Gina PrimeauxTrustees
Janice Bachmann2020/2021 Newly Elected & Returning Leadership
Board of Directors
Chris JacksonChair Elect
Matt WilsonVice Chairs Elect
Martin JacobsBoard of Trustees – Los Angeles
Lewis W. KneibChair Elect
Thomas CasarellaAdvisory Council
Jody AdairStaff Leadership
Ronald E. Brown, Ph.D.Whether in person or virtually, you went above and beyond to support our special events, young professional networks, family activities and fundraisers. Thank you for being a hero in the story to prevent child abuse.
Fiscal Year 2019/20
In 2020, we collectively experienced something we have not been through before and the families we serve felt the effects of this global uncertainty in a compounded manner. Amid the turmoil, you embraced compassion and came together to give families hope.
This honor roll reflects donations made during the 2019/2020 fiscal year. Thank you.
2019/2020 Honor Roll
Are you interested in being part of the future story to prevent child abuse? You can ensure the agency continues to grow with a legacy gift. Or, simplify your giving with a donor advised fund.
To learn more, click here.
*deceased