California: MRCS Task Force Recommendations

“California’s vision for Child, Family and Community Well-Being, centered on equity and social justice and respect for tribal sovereignty, requires an approach that is dependent upon the successful implementation of the State’s Family First Prevention Services (FFPS) Plan that keeps children, youth and families out of the child welfare system through supports provided by FFPS.

This vision also requires dramatic reform of current practices and policies regarding mandated reporting and responses to child abuse and neglect allegations. The need for reform is evidenced in the large volume of reports to child protection hotlines each year that are screened out, unsubstantiated, or include allegations of general neglect only. These types of reports cause harm and trauma as opposed to providing support, and these reports continue to increase the numbers of children in out-of-home care who are disproportionately Black/African American and Native American children.”