2010 Annual Report - Black Administrators in Child Welfare, Inc.

2010 Annual Report
Building Hope for
Our Children, Our
Future
The Black Administrators in Child Welfare, Inc.
Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
A Message from the Board President and Executive Director
3-4
Our Mission and Guiding Principles
5-6
About BACW
2010 Annual Conference
7
8
Membership
9
Our Work in 2010
10-13
2010 Financial Snapshot
14
Board of Directors Directory
15
Letter from the President of the Board of Directors
Dear Friends of BACW,
W
hen the founders started BACW 40 years ago, they had a powerful vision to ensure that all African
American children
in the child welfare system received culturally competent services and that these children had
Virginia’s Letter
administrators in decision-making positions that shared their ethnicity, culture, and had their best interest.
In 2010, we continued that vision. BACW participated in a child welfare think tank that analyzed and provided recommendations on policies that affect
all children in foster care, including African American children. We partnered with public and private entities to address systemic and community issues
that impact our children’s child welfare service delivery. BACW has also participated in a unique coalition that focused on the specific needs of
organizations of color to identify services that would increase the visibility, financial stability, and longevity of such institutions.
While we had a successful year, our work in recognizing and vocalizing disparities and racial equity for our children cannot rest, for there is still much to
be done. We understand that our road ahead will be an uphill journey. With the support from our members, funders, and our committed staff, this road
will be well traveled.
Many thanks to our members, funders, and staff for helping us effectively shape the future of our children. With your lasting support, we will ensure that
African American children in foster care will have increased positive outcomes.
Respectfully,
Virginia Pryor
BACW Board President
3.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
2010 Annual Report
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
T
his past year was an amazing time in the life of the Black Administrators in Child Welfare (BACW).
I am grateful
to the Board
Ms. Jackson’s
Letter of Directors and staff for their commitment and hard work toward moving forward with me in
fulfilling our mission and vision. As I reflect over our work advocating for children that come to the attention of the child
welfare system, African American children in particular, I am pleased to announce that BACW has achieved several of our
goals in 2010 towards reducing disproportionality and addressing treatment disparities.
Thanks to the many BACW members for your encouragement and support. As we embarked on the celebration of our 40th Anniversary, we were more
determined to make a difference for our children, our legacy. Your continued support is deeply appreciated. BACW has engaged the finest and the
brightest child welfare administrators in the country to develop the Racial Equity Strategy Areas (RESA) which is a document that I hope you will
become familiar with and share with others. This work marks an important milestone in the life of BACW. Also, my hope is that you will get involved
with BACW through individual or agency membership, newsletters, conference participation, advertisements, sponsorship, exhibits, consultation and our
website at www.blackadministrators.org.
Regards,
Sondra M. Jackson
Executive Director BACW
4.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
2010 Annual Report
Our Mission
Our BACW
Missionexists to advocate for culturally
appropriate services for African
The American
Black Administrators
in Child Welfare
children and families
exists toinadvocate
culturally
the child for
welfare
system
appropriate
services
for
African
and to promote the
American children and families in the child
development and
welfare system and to promote the
support of African
development and support of African
American
American leaders
in leaders
the field.
in the field.
5.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
2010 Annual Report
Our Guiding Principles
T
he BACW is committed to strengthening and supporting the healthy development of African American children, families, and
communities through advocacy. Since our inception, BACW has adopted and expanded upon the following fundamental principles:
Ensure that the black experience becomes a part of the
Aid in the identification of black administrators and assist them
awareness, understanding and service delivery of child welfare
to secure administrative positions in human resource agencies,
agencies throughout the nation;
hospitals, and institutions; and
Establish a structure which provides knowledge about the
Make opportunities available for the exchange of
black experience in child welfare programs where it does not
administrative experiences among black administrators.
exist;
Develop and extend services to all children, with emphasis on
the needs of black children and their identity;
6.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
2010 Annual Report
About BACW
T
he Black Administrators in Child Welfare is an advocacy,
foster care. BACW is committed to strengthening and
membership, research, training and technical assistance
supporting programs designed to promote the healthy
organization. Registered as a 501 (c)(3) organization, BACW was
development of children, youth, and families. We
founded in 1971 and incorporated in 1975 in New York to respond
support communities that are serving all children with
to the need for culturally appropriate services to the overrepresented
special attention given to those with a demonstrated
African American children and families, and to provide a support
interest in helping children of color.
network for individuals serving as executives managing child
welfare and other human service agencies. Governed by a 24
member Board of Directors with its day-to-day operations managed
by an Executive Director, BACW is the only child welfare
organization that has been
involved nationally in work that
addresses child welfare policy, practice, and research on behalf of
African American children specifically but also to all children in
7.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
2010 Annual Report
2010 Annual Conference in Chicago, IL
Our 2010 conference “The Power of Change: Reducing Disproportionality” was exciting, according to
many participants. There were over 30 educational workshops offered, phenomenal speakers such as
the Honorable Judge Glenda Hatchett, Joyce James, and experienced judges (Judges Patricia Clark,
Maxwell Griffin, and Sybil Thomas) that addressed the issue of disproportionality in child welfare.
Make sure that you attend and benefit from our next conference.
Joyce James, Associate Deputy
Commissioner of the Center for
Elimination of Disproportionality
and Disparities in Texas,
questioning the panel of judges.
(from right to left) Judges Patricia Clark (of King County
Washington), Sybil Thomas (of Midland County, Michigan), and
Maxwell Griffin, Jr. (of Cook County, Illinois) serving on a panel
discussing disproportionality in child welfare.
8.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
The Honorable Judge Glenda Hatchett
passionately speaking about her experiences as a
judge involved with families in child welfare.
The Honorable Judge Patricia Clark
addressing attentive workshop conference
participants.
2010 Annual Report
BACW Membership
T
Membership Benefits
he BACW can continue to have a positive impact
Discounts to annual conferences featuring prominent keynote
through advocacy, grassroots community development,
speakers and educational workshops
training, research, information dissemination, and en-
Quarterly newsletter
hancement of service
Technical assistance in child welfare organizational
delivery systems. The spirit and
fellowship that BACW has enjoyed over the years will
development
continue to expand as we move forward. With your sup-
Annual directory of members
port, energy and commitment, we are confident that we
BACW position papers and publications
will grow even stronger as a powerful force and
Special opportunities to network with experienced
for children.
9.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
advocate
administrators
2010 Annual Report
Our Work in 2010
Mississippi Families for Kids – Kinship Care
Mississippi is a state that has a relatively high
number of children living with relatives. According to the
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), out of all
Linda West, executive
director of Mississippi
Families for Kids,
addressing relative
caregivers at the kick-off
of ROC
of their needs within the community. Through this
partnership between BACW and MFFK, an estimated 60
children relative caregivers with approximately 90 children have
living in Mississippi in 2008, an estimated 11% lived with their grand-
been served. The extraordinary dedication and commitment
parents and an estimated 2.3% lived with other relatives. In addition,
by the MFFK staff and community partners have made this
AARP reported that, in 2008, of all the
project a success and one that must be expanded.
ents caring for their grandchildren
estimated 48,000 grandpar-
living in Mississippi, 64% of these
grandparents are African American; 1% is Hispanic/Latino; and 34%
are White. With only one Kinship Care program in existence in Mississippi at the time, BACW partnered with Mississippi Families for Kids
(MFFK) to develop a kinship care program.
Participant of ROC caring for 5
of her nieces and nephews due to
her sister’s death
BACW and MFFK collaborated to create a supportive network known
as the Relatives Raising Other Children (ROC) program, through
which relative caregivers have had the opportunity to raise awareness
10.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
2010 Annual Report
Wayne County, Michigan – Dual Wards
T
he BACW’s work in Michigan attempted to
improve outcomes for children in both the child welfare and juvenile
jurisdiction children. As the project comes to an end,
Wayne County has a protocol for effective dual
justice systems. Through many years of experience, BACW has found that wards collaboration between its child welfare and
systems collaboration is very important in keeping children safe; reducing juvenile justice systems.
behavioral problems; assuring permanence; reducing racial disparities;
building safer communities; and promoting positive youth development. In
the initial stage of this work, BACW held joint meetings with the Wayne
County Department of Human Services Child Welfare Agency, Juvenile
Justice Agency, Juvenile Assessment Center, the Wayne County Court, as
well as representatives from private child and youth service agencies.
These discussions led to BACW working with Wayne County
11.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
BACW has been successful in creating a body of work
that provides leadership, support, and technical
assistance to promote racial equity and culturally
appropriate child welfare services and programs in
Mississippi and Wayne County, Michigan. These
projects are funded by a two-year grant from the W.K.
Kellogg Foundation.
2010 Annual Report
Partner Organizations of Color – Collaboration
Child Welfare and Mental Health Coalition – Advocacy
S
F
ince 2002, the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) has
or several years, BACW has participated in the Child Welfare and
supported the Partner Organizations of Color which is
Mental Health Coalition which is led by the Children’s Defense Fund
comprised of ten current and alumni organizations led by
and Child Welfare League of America. This think tank is comprised of
people of color. BACW has been a part of this partnership
mostly national organizations that are child welfare stakeholders. The
since 2007. All of these partners have been working to
coalition meets throughout the course of a year to collectively offer
reduce racial disparities in child and family well-being across
policy alternatives or to develop child welfare policy. Ultimately, we
the country through their provision of technical assistance
work together to improve outcomes for children in foster care. One of
and direct services to children, families, organizations, and
the major achievements made by this coalition is playing a role in
communities of color. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s
making the Fostering and Connection to Success and Increasing
support of the Partner Organizations of Color is important
Adoptions Act of 2008 a reality.
because, in 2010, organizations led by people of color
received only 8% of grant dollars from the Nation’s largest
foundations while serving 35% of the U.S. population.
12.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
2010 Annual Report
10 Racial Equity Strategy Areas (RESA) – New Publication
I
n 2010, the BACW started to draw on the national
experiences expertise of its Board of Directors, organizational
4. Kinship Services: Effective and Appropriate Use
affiliates, and staff to answer the question “What are 10 areas that
6. Education: Collaboration and Partnerships
will increase racial equity in child welfare for African American
7. Health: Thriving Children, Youth, and Families
children?” The answers to this question were documented and
8. Legal Services: Culturally Informed and Competent
supported by existing research which birthed the BACW’s most
9. Leadership: Culturally Competent
recent publication “Reducing Disparities: 10 Racial Equity
10. Program: Policies, Practice, Review, and Analysis
Strategies Areas for Improving Outcomes for African American
The RESAs are designed to be compatible with
Children in Child Welfare.” Although this publication was
The racial equity strategy areas (RESA) identified by the BACW
13.
5. Youth: Informed Practice
standards such as those established by the Council on
Accreditation or the Child Welfare League of America.
are the following:
They may also be integrated with other practice or policy
1. Data: Innovative
information that guides the service delivery system of a
2. Finance: Creative and Flexible
particular organization. For a copy of this document,
3. Engagement: Parent and Community
please visit our website at www.blackadministrators.org.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
2010 Annual Report
Financial Snapshot
BACW 2010 Revenue and Expenses
14.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
2010 Annual Report
BACW Board of Directors
Montrelle Baldwin
Race Equity Analyst, Michigan DHS, Lansing, MI
Email: [email protected]
Oronde Miller
Senior Associate, The Center for the Study of Social Policy
Email: [email protected]
Keith D. Bostick, LCSW
First Vice President
Director, Residential Child Care, Atlanta, GA
E-mail: [email protected]
Yakiciwey Mitchell
(Second Vie President)
Director, Casey Family Program, Pasadena, CA
Email: [email protected]
Vivian M. Drayton
Executive Director, Supportive Child/Adult
Network, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
E-mail: [email protected]
*Virginia Pryor,
President
Manager of National-Non Profit Partnerships, Casey
Family Programs, Seattle, WA
E-mail: [email protected]
Mark Francis
President/CEO, Cysson Ent., Inc., Coral Spring, FL
Email: [email protected]
Andrea Guy
Assistant Treasury
Deputy Director
Child & Family Service Agency, Washington, DC
E-mail: [email protected]
Dr. Sharon L. Lowe
President & CEO, A Second Chance Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA
E-mail: [email protected]
Lindsay Mason
Consultant, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Baltimore, MD
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Anna McPhatter
Professor & Dean, Morgan State University School of
Social Work , Baltimore, MD
E-mail: [email protected]
15.
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
Denise Revels Robinson, MSW
Assistant Secretary Children’s Administration, Olympia,
WA
Email: [email protected]
Handel O. Smith
Treasurer
Financial Consultant, Columbia, MD
E-mail: [email protected]
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS
Ernestine Jones
Senior Program Consultant, Odenton, MD
E-mail: [email protected]
Howard E. Prunty
Consultant, Ellenwood, GA
E-mail: [email protected]
Dolores B. Reid
Director, Reid & Associates, Goodyear, AZ
E-mail: [email protected]
SUPPORT STAFF
Rita A. Graham
Office Manager, BACW
E-mail: [email protected]
Donald Clark
Director of Policy and Government Affairs, BACW
Email: [email protected]
Margo Wainwright
Youth Intervention Program, Los Angeles, CA
E-mail: [email protected]
Shondell C. Wills-Bryce
Secretary
Program Administrator, New Jersey DFC, Newark, NJ
[email protected]
Annetta Wilson
Executive Director, SANKOFA Safe Child Institute,
Chicago, IL
E-mail: [email protected]
2010 Annual Report
Black Administrators in Child Welfare
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Washington, DC 20002