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Philanthropy Group Helps Transform Child Welfare System |
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The Child Welfare Philanthropy Group is committed to the safety, protection and well-being of the most vulnerable of children, those who had been abused or neglected and their families.
Nearly a dozen funders in the Greater Milwaukee Area with support from two representatives from the Wisconsin Association of Family and Children's Agencies are igniting and sustaining transformation of the child welfare system to achieve this goal.
"The Child Welfare Philanthropy Group (CWPG) was formed in response to concerns by funders and nonprofits for more transparency, accountability, advocacy and support of the various systems serving children and families," said Linda Davis of the Bob & Linda Davis Family Fund and CWPG Chair.
The group convenes and brokers relationships between public and private stakeholders to discuss mutual problems and find solutions that actually improve the system.
Since its inception in 2000, CWPG has funded projects addressing policy issues and needs in health, education, early childhood and workforce development.
Highlights of CWPG projects include:
- Hosting a Wingspread Conference on Milwaukee County Children's Court operations leading to substantial quality improvement initiatives and cultural changes within the court system.
- Funding best practice papers on improved effectiveness and collaboration among the state and local agencies and organizations that deliver child welfare services.
- Participating with Governor Doyle's administration in a statewide project chosen by the National Governors Association to develop strategies to promote service integration of child welfare and W-2 at the local level.
- Playing a strong advocacy role for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families which began its work streamlining services for children and families in July 2008.
Another key function of CWPG is to inform and educate members on child welfare issues.
"Through education comes an understanding of the system, ability to identify key problem areas, and knowledge of national best practices and solutions," said John Grace, CWPG member and former Wisconsin Association of Family and Children's Agencies Executive Director. |
| "In addition to the Child Welfare Philanthropy Group, a School Readiness Philanthropy Group was formed in August 2007 to identify best practices and advocate for broad systemic change in early childhood initiatives," said Linda Davis, chair of the philanthropy groups and long-time children's advocate. "Our best philanthropic work continues on behalf of the children and their families." |
