In response to the pandemic and recent events highlighting longstanding social and racial injustices, in August of 2020 a workgroup began meeting to develop the Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) webinar series to assist providers and caregivers in engaging with youth. The workgroup’s vision is to set an example for creating an environment that leads to active engagement and ongoing dialogue in essential conversations related to racial injustice and systemic racism over a period of time that supports individual and systemic healing and change.

The more than twenty member workgroup consists of members of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and stakeholders across the state including CDSS Office of Equity and Systems of Care Branch, Hathaway Sycamores Child and Family Services, LA County Office of Equity, GetREAL and Family Builders, Purposely Chosen, Inc., Alliance and Catalyst Center, California Coalition for Youth, California Youth Connection, The Youth Engagement Project, and the LA County Department of Child and Family Services, Office Of Equity.  

The webinar series will include presentations, panel discussions, breakout groups and poetry, with over twelve speakers who are both respected in the community and nationally recognized for their work in the areas of trauma informed care and mental wellness in youth, implicit bias, race and the intersection of anti-gay/trans bias, social justice, and child welfare reform.  In addition, eight current and former foster youth will share their ideas and experiences for improving programs and strengthening families.

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