For Immediate Release
July 13, 2009
Contact: Erika Monroe-Kane, Department of Children and Families, 608-266-9000
Wisconsin Selected for Child Welfare Partnership
Wisconsin is one of 13 states selected by Casey Family Programs as a partner in Casey’s national child welfare initiative. As the country’s largest foundation focused on foster care, Casey works to improve conditions for children living in out-of-home care, reduce the number of children in foster care and reinvest dollars in programs that strengthen families.
"With the creation of the Department of Children and Families and its emphasis on prevention, it is clear that Wisconsin's vision for the future is aligned with ours," Casey Family Programs Executive Vice President David Sanders said. "We look forward to close collaboration with DCF as we both work to ensure children are safe and have permanent families by supporting Wisconsin’s child abuse prevention efforts."
Casey chose to partner with Wisconsin because of DCF's ambitious goal to build a robust prevention system that provides families with services and supports before abuse or neglect can occur. DCF Secretary Reggie Bicha designated an entire division in his new Department to develop and coordinate prevention initiatives. He has also placed a renewed focus on integrating prevention throughout all DCF programs.
DCF and Casey will join forces to help more foster children receive the care they need to thrive and prosper in permanent, loving homes. Ultimately, as more children exit the foster care system, more funding can be placed in prevention programs, limiting the incidence of abuse and neglect.
The partnership with Casey builds on progress DCF has made in supporting Wisconsin's most vulnerable children in out-of-home care. Since the creation of the Department, more than 3,300 children have been safely reunited with their families, and more than 700 children have been welcomed into the homes of kind, compassionate parents through adoption.
The recently passed budget also makes a significant investment in out-of-home care, increasing support for foster parents and better preparing them to meet the needs of children through improved, statewide training.
"Support from a nationally renowned agency like Casey Family Programs demonstrates that we are moving forward in the right direction as a Department and as a state," Secretary Bicha said. "Their knowledge and expertise will be useful resources as we continue to protect children, strengthen families and build communities."
Casey identifies improvements in child welfare systems around the country and helps states and counties develop those practices that will have the greatest positive impact on the lives of children. Casey was created in 1966 by United Parcel Service founder Jim Casey.
For information on Casey Family Programs, please visit http://www.casey.org/. More information about the Department of Children and Families is available at http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/.
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