Parent Advocacy
A Better Way operates three successful Parent Advocacy programs - the Parent Engagement Program in Alameda County, the Parent Partner Family Navigator Program in Solano County, and the Parent Partner Program in Santa Cruz County. These programs provide one-on-one advocacy and mentoring to families currently involved in the child welfare system. These programs employ parents who have prior personal experience with Child Welfare to act as peer mentors, supporting families in understanding and navigating the system. The goals of the Parent Advocacy programs are to increase the reunification rate for child welfare system-involved families and reduce out-of-home placements.
What Parent Partners & Parent Advocates Do:
Click on a program below to learn more.
What Parent Partners & Parent Advocates Do:
- Attend Child Family Team Meetings (CFT’s) and other appointments as requested by the parents.
- Provide referrals to substance abuse treatment programs and help with finding resources for needs including housing, food, education, mental health, and employment.
- Help advocate within the education, medical and other systems.
- Act as a bridge for families to the services and systems with which they interact, supporting families to understand systems and supporting those in the systems to better understand families.
Click on a program below to learn more.
Parent Engagement Program (ALAMEDA COUNTY)
The Parent Engagement Program was developed to improve outcomes for parents who are involved with Alameda County Child Welfare System. These parents are matched with Parent Advocates who provide the education, advocacy and support that help parents:
The strength of the Parent Engagement Program is our staff. Our Parent Advocates all have personal experience – and personal success – navigating the Child Welfare System to regain custody of their children. With professional development, specialized training and support, they are able to turn their lived experience into expertise – offering hope and guidance to other parents who are currently struggling to reunify.
Parent Advocates provide outreach and consultation to other programs and workgroups within Alameda County to assure that the “Family Voice and Lived Experience” is represented. By actively participating on a variety of committees and workgroups, Parent Advocates also work to improve outcomes by affecting change at the policy and program development level.
Core Program Components include:
Assessment Center phone calls: Parent Advocates make the first contact with parents when their children are initially removed or there is a possibility of a child’s removal. Advocates assure parents that their child (ren) is safe and being assessed for safety and well-being. In this call, we prepare parents for their initial Child Family Team Meeting (CFT) and encourage parents to bring support with them.
Child Family Team Meeting (CFT): This meeting involves families, workers and others involved with the child’s family and are held when there are serious risks to a child that could result in out-of-home placement. Parent Advocates insure that parents know their rights as parents and have a voice in the CFT process. Advocates support parents to have their concerns and desires taken into consideration during these meetings.
Phone Consult: Parents can contact the Alameda County PEP clerk and ask to speak with a Parent Advocate and receive one time support. This is a good way to get questions answered or to bridge the time between referral and case assignment.
CHAT (Communicating History and Transitions): A CHAT introduction meeting is facilitated by Parent Advocates. The meeting provides birth parents and resource parents an opportunity to exchange information regarding the child (ren) when an out-of-home placement is required. CHATs also provide an opportunity for a parent and resource parents to begin to develop a relationship.
Parent Orientation Classes: Consists of two introductory classes, facilitated by Parent Advocates, designed to give parents information about the Child Welfare process and available resources within the community. Parents receive education around their legal rights and responsibilities as parents involved with the system. Participants receive a certificate of completion. The classes take place in the evening and include a light dinner.
Case Work: Parent Advocates assist parents in making the life choices that will limit risk and increase safety for their children. Advocates help parents work through case plan activities, modify their behaviors, access resources, develop healthy support systems and implement important tools to manage parenting responsibilities.
Parent Leadership Support Group: A curriculum driven support and education group for parents with current or past involvement with the Alameda County Child Welfare System, The group is facilitated by Parent Advocates and offers a safe, non-judgmental place where parents can share their experiences of their involvement with DCFS. This group meets every first and third Wednesday of the month to share the tools; knowledge and information that will help parents develop
The Fatherhood Circle: A curriculum driven support and education group for fathers who have navigated or are currently navigating the Alameda County Child Welfare System. The group is facilitated by Parent Advocates and provides a safe, nonjudgmental place where fathers receive support, develop practical parenting skills, and share important resources, while also learning successful strategies to navigate the child welfare system. This is a critical part of Alameda County’s Fatherhood Initiative. This group meets every the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Committees and Workgroups: We are delighted to serve on committees with DCFS and other community partners, bringing the parent’s voice to the table and having influence at the policy making level. To name a few, we work with Bay Area Collaboration of American Indian Resources (BACAIR), Alameda County Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (ACCIPP), Katie A. Implementation Committee and the Family Subcommittee (KTA), Services to Enhance Early Development (SEED), Alameda County Child Family Team (CFT) and it’s subcommittees; Strategy, Process and Training (SPT) and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Task Team (METT), Safety Organized Practice (SOP) Implementation Team and Task Teams.
Training: Parent Advocates provide specialized training to Child Welfare Workers, Resource Parents and other community partners in order to increase empathy for birth parents and to provide tips to increase parent engagement.
- Navigate the Child Welfare System,
- Address safety concerns identified by Child Welfare, and
- When possible - to reunify with their children.
The strength of the Parent Engagement Program is our staff. Our Parent Advocates all have personal experience – and personal success – navigating the Child Welfare System to regain custody of their children. With professional development, specialized training and support, they are able to turn their lived experience into expertise – offering hope and guidance to other parents who are currently struggling to reunify.
Parent Advocates provide outreach and consultation to other programs and workgroups within Alameda County to assure that the “Family Voice and Lived Experience” is represented. By actively participating on a variety of committees and workgroups, Parent Advocates also work to improve outcomes by affecting change at the policy and program development level.
Core Program Components include:
Assessment Center phone calls: Parent Advocates make the first contact with parents when their children are initially removed or there is a possibility of a child’s removal. Advocates assure parents that their child (ren) is safe and being assessed for safety and well-being. In this call, we prepare parents for their initial Child Family Team Meeting (CFT) and encourage parents to bring support with them.
Child Family Team Meeting (CFT): This meeting involves families, workers and others involved with the child’s family and are held when there are serious risks to a child that could result in out-of-home placement. Parent Advocates insure that parents know their rights as parents and have a voice in the CFT process. Advocates support parents to have their concerns and desires taken into consideration during these meetings.
Phone Consult: Parents can contact the Alameda County PEP clerk and ask to speak with a Parent Advocate and receive one time support. This is a good way to get questions answered or to bridge the time between referral and case assignment.
CHAT (Communicating History and Transitions): A CHAT introduction meeting is facilitated by Parent Advocates. The meeting provides birth parents and resource parents an opportunity to exchange information regarding the child (ren) when an out-of-home placement is required. CHATs also provide an opportunity for a parent and resource parents to begin to develop a relationship.
Parent Orientation Classes: Consists of two introductory classes, facilitated by Parent Advocates, designed to give parents information about the Child Welfare process and available resources within the community. Parents receive education around their legal rights and responsibilities as parents involved with the system. Participants receive a certificate of completion. The classes take place in the evening and include a light dinner.
Case Work: Parent Advocates assist parents in making the life choices that will limit risk and increase safety for their children. Advocates help parents work through case plan activities, modify their behaviors, access resources, develop healthy support systems and implement important tools to manage parenting responsibilities.
Parent Leadership Support Group: A curriculum driven support and education group for parents with current or past involvement with the Alameda County Child Welfare System, The group is facilitated by Parent Advocates and offers a safe, non-judgmental place where parents can share their experiences of their involvement with DCFS. This group meets every first and third Wednesday of the month to share the tools; knowledge and information that will help parents develop
The Fatherhood Circle: A curriculum driven support and education group for fathers who have navigated or are currently navigating the Alameda County Child Welfare System. The group is facilitated by Parent Advocates and provides a safe, nonjudgmental place where fathers receive support, develop practical parenting skills, and share important resources, while also learning successful strategies to navigate the child welfare system. This is a critical part of Alameda County’s Fatherhood Initiative. This group meets every the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Committees and Workgroups: We are delighted to serve on committees with DCFS and other community partners, bringing the parent’s voice to the table and having influence at the policy making level. To name a few, we work with Bay Area Collaboration of American Indian Resources (BACAIR), Alameda County Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (ACCIPP), Katie A. Implementation Committee and the Family Subcommittee (KTA), Services to Enhance Early Development (SEED), Alameda County Child Family Team (CFT) and it’s subcommittees; Strategy, Process and Training (SPT) and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Task Team (METT), Safety Organized Practice (SOP) Implementation Team and Task Teams.
Training: Parent Advocates provide specialized training to Child Welfare Workers, Resource Parents and other community partners in order to increase empathy for birth parents and to provide tips to increase parent engagement.
PARENT PARTNER - FAMILY NAVIGATOR PROGRAM (SOLANO COUNTY)
Parent Partner Program
The Parent Partner Program was developed by the County of Solano Health and Social Services (H&SS) to improve outcomes for families who are involved with the child welfare system. In 2020, Solano County began partnering with A Better Way, Inc. to administer the Parent Partner Program.
Parent Partners are birth parents that have successfully navigated the Solano County Child Welfare system as clients and have returned to support other parents that are involved with that system. Parent Partners engage in personal and professional development and receive specialized training and support – turning their experience into expertise. They offer hope, guidance and resources to other parents who are currently working toward family reunification. All services are provided to families in English and Spanish.
Parent Partners also offer community partners with insight into the needs and experiences of birth parents. Parent Partners provide several direct peer-to-peer support services to parents that are involved in the Solano County Child Welfare System. Parent Partners also work to improve outcomes for families by bringing the parent’s voice to policy making and program development as members of a variety of Solano County committees and workgroups.
Parent Partners:
Family Navigator Program
In 2020, the County of Solano Health and Social Services (H&SS) began partnering with A Better Way inc. to administer the Family Navigator Program to improve outcomes for families who are involved with the child welfare system. Families are referred when there is a determination that the family would benefit from resources and supports to stabilize the family system to improve and ensure child safety.
Family Navigators are case managers who offer parents intensive navigation to fully support family and individual stability, service linkage, and guidance around maintaining services within the community to offer long-term support after Child Welfare involvement has concluded.
Family Navigator services are voluntary, provided for up to 90 days. Services to families are provided in English and in Spanish.
Some additional key features of the program include weekly visits with parents, assistance, and empowerment to increase their support network, independent living skills, and help develop new community relationships.
Some of the areas we address are:
All referrals are made through Solano County CWS; for questions, please call 707-784-8995
The Parent Partner Program was developed by the County of Solano Health and Social Services (H&SS) to improve outcomes for families who are involved with the child welfare system. In 2020, Solano County began partnering with A Better Way, Inc. to administer the Parent Partner Program.
Parent Partners are birth parents that have successfully navigated the Solano County Child Welfare system as clients and have returned to support other parents that are involved with that system. Parent Partners engage in personal and professional development and receive specialized training and support – turning their experience into expertise. They offer hope, guidance and resources to other parents who are currently working toward family reunification. All services are provided to families in English and Spanish.
Parent Partners also offer community partners with insight into the needs and experiences of birth parents. Parent Partners provide several direct peer-to-peer support services to parents that are involved in the Solano County Child Welfare System. Parent Partners also work to improve outcomes for families by bringing the parent’s voice to policy making and program development as members of a variety of Solano County committees and workgroups.
Parent Partners:
- Have personal experiences navigating the Child Welfare system with their own families
- Support parents currently involved with the County of Solano Child Welfare System
- Ensure that parents’ voices are heard
- Work with parents to engage in and complete case plan requirements
- Attend Child Family and Team meetings (CFT’s) with parents
- Help parents develop working relationships with their child’s social worker
- Offer encouragement, understanding, and hope
- Provide resources that meet the needs of parents and families
Family Navigator Program
In 2020, the County of Solano Health and Social Services (H&SS) began partnering with A Better Way inc. to administer the Family Navigator Program to improve outcomes for families who are involved with the child welfare system. Families are referred when there is a determination that the family would benefit from resources and supports to stabilize the family system to improve and ensure child safety.
Family Navigators are case managers who offer parents intensive navigation to fully support family and individual stability, service linkage, and guidance around maintaining services within the community to offer long-term support after Child Welfare involvement has concluded.
Family Navigator services are voluntary, provided for up to 90 days. Services to families are provided in English and in Spanish.
Some additional key features of the program include weekly visits with parents, assistance, and empowerment to increase their support network, independent living skills, and help develop new community relationships.
Some of the areas we address are:
- Referrals for housing
- Completion of housing applications and other required documentation
- Linkages to Family Resource Centers and other agencies that provide basic need support
- Coordination of community services
- Financial and employment challenges
- Language barriers
- Social and Community support
- Crisis management
- Legal issues
- Immigration issues
All referrals are made through Solano County CWS; for questions, please call 707-784-8995
PARENT PARTNER PROGRAM (SANTA CRUZ COUNTY)
The Parent Partner Program was developed in 2021 to improve outcomes for parents who are involved with Santa Cruz County Family and Children Services (FCS). These parents are matched with Parent Partners who provide the education, advocacy and support that help parents:
• Navigate the Child Welfare System,
• Address safety concerns identified by Child Welfare,
• Decrease subsequent changes in placement or custody, and
• When possible - to reunify with their children
Parent Partners are birth parents who have personal experience – and personal success – navigating the Child Welfare System to regain custody of their children. They facilitate effective communication between parents, their social workers, resource parents, and service providers to ensure parents’ voices are uplifted during the teaming process. Their experience and success offer hope and guidance to other parents who are currently struggling to reunify.
Parent Partners also provide outreach and consultation to other programs and workgroups within Santa Cruz County FCS to assure that the “Family Voice and Lived Experience” is represented. By actively participating on a variety of committees and workgroups, Parent Advocates also work to improve outcomes by affecting change at the policy and program development level.
Core Program Components include:
Child Family Team Meeting (CFT): This initial meeting involves families, social workers and others involved with the child(ren)’s family and are held when there are serious risks to a child that could result in an out-of-home placement. CFT’s may also be held whenever there is a case plan update, placement change and/or when the parent or a member of the Team requests a meeting. Parent Partners ensure that parents know their rights and have a voice in the CFT process. Parent Partners support parents in having their concerns and desires taken into consideration during these meetings.
Phone Consult: Parent Partners provide over the phone consultation to parents in need of support around navigating the child welfare system, accessing services, or requesting Parent Partner services. This is also a good way to get questions answered or to bridge the time between referral and case assignment.
CHAT (Communicating History and Transitions): Parent Partners facilitate an ice breaker meeting. The meeting provides birth parents and resource parents an opportunity to exchange information regarding the child(ren) when an out-of-home placement is required. CHATs also provide an opportunity for a parent and resource parents to begin to develop a relationship. CHATs also provide opportunity for the parent and resource parent to begin to develop a relationship.
Parent Orientation Classes: Consists of two-introductory classes, facilitated by Parent Partners, designed to orientate parents to the Child Welfare System, encourages parents to engage with their social worker and case plan activities, provides parents with community resources. Parents also receive education around their legal rights and responsibilities as parents involved with the system. Participants receive a certificate of completion. The classes take place in the evening and include a light dinner.
Case Work: Parent Partners assist parents in making the life choices that will limit risk and increase safety for their children. Advocates help parents work through case plan activities, modify their behaviors, access resources, develop healthy support systems and implement important tools to manage parenting responsibilities. The Parent Partners role is to also support the parent in understanding the dependency proceedings and be a bridge to services.
Parent Leadership Support Group- Santa Cruz: A curriculum driven support and education group for parents with current or past involvement with Santa Cruz County Family and Children Services (FCS), The group is facilitated by Parent Partners and offers a safe, non-judgmental place where parents (Mothers and Fathers) can share their experiences of their involvement with FCS. This group meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
The Fatherhood Circle- Santa Cruz: A curriculum driven support and education group for fathers who have navigated or are currently navigating Santa Cruz County Family and Children Services (FCS). The group is facilitated by Parent Partners and provides a safe, nonjudgmental place where fathers receive support, develop practical parenting skills, and share important father-specific resources, while also learning successful strategies to navigate the child welfare system. This group meets every first and third Thursday of the month.
Committees and Workgroups: We are delighted to serve on committees with FCS and other community partners, bringing the parent’s voice to the table and having influence at the policy making level. Examples include the Safety Organized Practice (SOP) Advisory Council and CFT Implementation Group.
Training: Parent Partners provide specialized training to Social Workers, Resource Parents, and other community partners in order to increase empathy for birth parents and to provide tips to increase parent engagement.
• Navigate the Child Welfare System,
• Address safety concerns identified by Child Welfare,
• Decrease subsequent changes in placement or custody, and
• When possible - to reunify with their children
Parent Partners are birth parents who have personal experience – and personal success – navigating the Child Welfare System to regain custody of their children. They facilitate effective communication between parents, their social workers, resource parents, and service providers to ensure parents’ voices are uplifted during the teaming process. Their experience and success offer hope and guidance to other parents who are currently struggling to reunify.
Parent Partners also provide outreach and consultation to other programs and workgroups within Santa Cruz County FCS to assure that the “Family Voice and Lived Experience” is represented. By actively participating on a variety of committees and workgroups, Parent Advocates also work to improve outcomes by affecting change at the policy and program development level.
Core Program Components include:
Child Family Team Meeting (CFT): This initial meeting involves families, social workers and others involved with the child(ren)’s family and are held when there are serious risks to a child that could result in an out-of-home placement. CFT’s may also be held whenever there is a case plan update, placement change and/or when the parent or a member of the Team requests a meeting. Parent Partners ensure that parents know their rights and have a voice in the CFT process. Parent Partners support parents in having their concerns and desires taken into consideration during these meetings.
Phone Consult: Parent Partners provide over the phone consultation to parents in need of support around navigating the child welfare system, accessing services, or requesting Parent Partner services. This is also a good way to get questions answered or to bridge the time between referral and case assignment.
CHAT (Communicating History and Transitions): Parent Partners facilitate an ice breaker meeting. The meeting provides birth parents and resource parents an opportunity to exchange information regarding the child(ren) when an out-of-home placement is required. CHATs also provide an opportunity for a parent and resource parents to begin to develop a relationship. CHATs also provide opportunity for the parent and resource parent to begin to develop a relationship.
Parent Orientation Classes: Consists of two-introductory classes, facilitated by Parent Partners, designed to orientate parents to the Child Welfare System, encourages parents to engage with their social worker and case plan activities, provides parents with community resources. Parents also receive education around their legal rights and responsibilities as parents involved with the system. Participants receive a certificate of completion. The classes take place in the evening and include a light dinner.
Case Work: Parent Partners assist parents in making the life choices that will limit risk and increase safety for their children. Advocates help parents work through case plan activities, modify their behaviors, access resources, develop healthy support systems and implement important tools to manage parenting responsibilities. The Parent Partners role is to also support the parent in understanding the dependency proceedings and be a bridge to services.
Parent Leadership Support Group- Santa Cruz: A curriculum driven support and education group for parents with current or past involvement with Santa Cruz County Family and Children Services (FCS), The group is facilitated by Parent Partners and offers a safe, non-judgmental place where parents (Mothers and Fathers) can share their experiences of their involvement with FCS. This group meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
The Fatherhood Circle- Santa Cruz: A curriculum driven support and education group for fathers who have navigated or are currently navigating Santa Cruz County Family and Children Services (FCS). The group is facilitated by Parent Partners and provides a safe, nonjudgmental place where fathers receive support, develop practical parenting skills, and share important father-specific resources, while also learning successful strategies to navigate the child welfare system. This group meets every first and third Thursday of the month.
Committees and Workgroups: We are delighted to serve on committees with FCS and other community partners, bringing the parent’s voice to the table and having influence at the policy making level. Examples include the Safety Organized Practice (SOP) Advisory Council and CFT Implementation Group.
Training: Parent Partners provide specialized training to Social Workers, Resource Parents, and other community partners in order to increase empathy for birth parents and to provide tips to increase parent engagement.