Learn what we heard through community conversations across Missouri and how it led to a paradigm-shifting approach to transforming the state's child welfare system.
The wellbeing of each generation’s children is of a paramount importance to society. Child welfare agencies play an important role in children’s wellbeing by protecting their safety, but Children’s Division’s efforts alone are not enough. A truly community response of public agencies, community-based organizations and non-service community assets – businesses, faith communities and familes themselves – is essential to children’s healthy growth and development. Indeed, all children need community, so child welfare must learn to partner better and differently with famileis and communities.
In 2016, Missouri Children’s Division and Full Frame Initiative, with the support of Casey Family Programs, convened seven Community Conversations across Missouri as a core strategy in improving outcomes for children and families. The input and energy of over 300 participants from government agencies, nonprofit programs and communities across the state helped define and launch significant, meaningful change.
Download our report that highlights what we heard through these community conversations and how we recommend using that information to reform child welfare systems.
Full Frame Initiative was joined by Angela Cochran, Ohio START Caseworker in Trumbull County, Ohio and Mike Kenney with the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO), who shared about their two-and-a-half-year journey toward centering community and co-creating a framework that is led by those most impacted.
Mayor Michael Passero writes about the impact of the city of New London's partnership with FFI. Together, we're shifting how leaders and residents see their roles in building a city where everyone has a fair shot at wellbeing.
Learn about how organizations design programs and initiatives with wellbeing at the center, how they work past barriers, and what this approach has unlocked for themselves and their communities.