Safe & Sound's bold vision for child welfare reform

In the heart of San Francisco, Safe & Sound, a relentless force against childhood adversity, is challenging the very foundations of child welfare with a bold vision.

Founded with a mission to prevent and reduce the impact of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma, Safe & Sound believes that the new way forward starts with exploring how California defines the term “neglect” and how children and families go through the child welfare system as a result of that definition.

The organization makes the case for why the state needs to shift its paradigm, from mandated reporting to community support.

Child abuse, neglect and trauma prevention

Safe & Sound's CEO, Dr. Pegah Faed, kicked off a recent lunch-and-learn event by highlighting that it was a continuation of the previous year's successful prevention series. The panelists dove deep into the progress made in reforming mandated reporting practices to better support families of color.

The discussion underscored the historical oppression faced by people of color and the pressing need for systemic change.

For historical context, the audience was asked to consider a shocking statistic: 88% of child protective services (CPS) investigations in California did not substantiate claims of neglect or abuse. 

This revelation has paved the way for an urgent shift from mandated reporting to community support, with a focus on family resource centers like Safe & Sound.

Child abuse reporting and reform

Safe & Sound's approach is firmly grounded in data and driven by findings of systemic bias and trauma affecting children and families.

In 2022 alone, of a staggering 450,000 child abuse reports in California, a mere 12% were substantiated as cases of abuse or neglect.

“These figures disproportionately affected Black and brown families, highlighting the urgency of reform,” Dr. Faed said.

Safe & Sound's unique position as a trusted convener of diverse stakeholders positions them to identify challenges and work collaboratively toward policy and systems change.

Dana E. Blackwell, senior director at Casey Family Programs and co-chair of the recently approved statewide Mandated Reporting to Community Supporting Task Force, shared her vision for a brighter future.

Neglect often stems from poverty, a condition that should not lead to children being removed by CPS workers, she said.

That’s why the statewide task force will focus on understanding the practices of these reporters and seeking alternatives to reporting, Blackwell said.

Ultimately, they’re aiming to build protective factors within communities that can support children and families.

A national movement

The good news is that a movement is underway.

In March, the California Child Welfare Council approved a set of seven recommendations, including the development of a community pathway aligned with Safe & Sound's vision.

Similar efforts are taking place across the nation, Blackwell said, with New York City and states like Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Arizona, Nebraska, Montana, and New Hampshire exploring alternative approaches to child welfare.

“They are all prioritizing community services and child safety over traditional intervention,” she said.

Safe & Sound's unyielding commitment to preventing and reducing adverse childhood experiences is reshaping the landscape of child welfare.

Their data-driven advocacy, commitment to equity and justice, and collaborative approach to policy reform are inspiring not only California but also the entire nation.

As we collectively strive for a brighter future for our children, organizations like Safe & Sound serve as powerful catalysts for change, reminding us that a safer, more compassionate world is not only possible — it is within reach.