Goals
Cultural Shift
We support a cultural shift to change the narrative about family safety in California to a more strengths-based, holistic, and supportive approach that prioritizes family integrity, and stops criminalization, over-surveillance, and overreliance on family separation. We aim to bring about a greater understanding within the broader public and among decision-makers of the harms caused by the system and what families experience, including through working with journalists, storytellers, and programs that support the voices of families with lived experience.
Diversion and Supporting Families
We aim to reduce reliance on the child welfare system as the primary response to families in need by promoting mandatory support that directs families to community-based resources rather than mandatory reporting practices that lead to surveillance and oftentimes family separation, and by educating mandated reporters and curbing over-reporting. We, as the California Family Integrity Coalition, are committed to helping families thrive by ensuring that their rights are protected and enforced, and that alternative voluntary services are available that are actually responsive to their needs. Additionally, we work towards ending racism and discrimination within the system to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all families and ensure that all families can access help and services (i.e., health care, etc.) without fear of being persecuted by child welfare authorities.
Resource Allocation and Reunification
We strive to shift resources within the child welfare system to prioritize family preservation. This involves advocating for policies that support keeping families together and ensure that necessary resources are provided without coercion, surveillance, or further harm to the family, including legal representation for parents during the investigation. In cases where a child has been removed, we are dedicated to ensuring parents have competent and zealous representation and support as they navigate their journey towards reunification.
Accountability and Access
We advocate that families deserve timely, culturally sensitive, ADA-compliant, and research-based community services tailored to families' particular needs, and know-your-rights education. We are committed to ensuring that agencies are held accountable for the harm caused to families when they fail to provide such services.
Amplifying Lived Experience
We stand in solidarity with persons who have lived experience in the child welfare system in reforming policies and practices in order to meet the real needs of the families. We are committed to amplifying and being led by the voices of individuals who have been impacted by the child welfare system.
Research Partnerships
We seek to partner with academic, professional, media, and allied communities to promote and integrate research and best practices into court proceedings. Additionally, we aim to train courthouse players and legal professionals on understanding and awareness of family safety issues.
Core Values
Racial Equity and Justice: We recognize the historical and ongoing systemic racism, disinvestment, and policy choices that lead to poverty and perpetuate inequities particularly for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. We strive instead for all families to have equitable access to what they need to thrive.
Reproductive Justice: Family integrity is a fundamental part of achieving true reproductive justice. Reproductive justice is “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.” (Reference: SisterSong)
Dignity and Respect: We advocate for a community where all families are treated with dignity and respect, free from stigma, discrimination, and systemic biases.
Family Support: We believe all families should have equitable access to comprehensive support and resources.
Prevention and Support: We prioritize prevention and strategies that address the root causes of family challenges, aiming to minimize harmful interventions. We recognize the significant negative consequences that child removals can have on children and families. We prioritize understanding, mitigating, and reducing the harms associated with removals, focusing on alternative approaches that prioritize family support and preservation whenever possible.
Collaboration and Solidarity: We value partnerships and alliances with other movements and organizations, recognizing that collective action is essential to achieving lasting change in family safety and well-being.
By remaining committed to our mission and core values, we can drive meaningful change, reimagine the child welfare system, and create a future where all families are safe, supported, and empowered.