To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann, 707-565-5800; Donna Broadbent, 707-565-4349
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution Proclaiming the Month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Sonoma County and Directing the Raising of the Children’s Memorial Flag at the County Center on April 24, 2026.
End
Executive Summary:
April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of this national education effort, the Human Services Department and the Child Parent Institute request that the Board adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and acknowledge child abuse prevention efforts by raising the Children’s Memorial Flag at the County Center on April 24, 2026.
Discussion:
As the provider of child welfare services in Sonoma County, the Human Services Department Family, Youth and Children division (FYC) has been leading community-wide efforts to increase child abuse prevention services to ensure the safety and well-being of children. In 2025, FYC social workers fielded nearly 9,000 calls of suspected abuse from mandated reporters and other concerned individuals. Of those 9,000 calls, 1,665 rose to the level of concern that required an in-person investigation and, of those, 218 required opening a child welfare case. 103 children entered foster care in 2025, representing a significant decline from years prior. The decline reflects changes in practice where staff offer increased resources and services up front to parents to engage each family in safety planning that reduces risk while the child remains in the home. Over 400 children total were in foster care in 2025, 76 of which resided at Valley of the Moon Children’s Center at some point during the year. Last year 141 children were either safely returned home with their parents or adopted into forever families.
FYC partners with the Child Parent Institute (CPI) to lead community discussions, trainings and planning efforts specifically related to child abuse prevention. In 2025, approximately 750 parents and community members participated in mandated reporter trainings and child abuse prevention planning efforts. Partners in this effort included several county departments, First 5 Sonoma County, faith-based communities, parents, Tribes, local business leaders and other community-based organizations. FYC is also working with the community to implement strategies outlined in the community led 5 -year Comprehensive Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Plan. This plan reflects input from hundreds of community members, including foster youth, adults with a history of involvement in child welfare services, Tribes, leaders from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and agencies that serve local families. This plan was responsive to the disproportionality data that illustrates the overrepresentation of African American and Native American children in foster care. The most notable accomplishments thus far include new services offered to families that are in a child welfare investigation, including services focused on the needs of BIPOC families and strengthened partnerships with tribal leaders to discuss child abuse prevention. A leadership team meets regularly to monitor progress in completing plan steps and utilizes the plan as a tool for advocacy for additional child abuse prevention resources.
FYC works with numerous community partners to directly support families and reduce the incidence of child abuse in a variety of ways. In 2025, FYC engaged community partners in approximately 400 Child and Family Team meetings to strengthen connections between community-based organizations, networks of support and families with child welfare cases. Last year, approximately 146 families participated in child abuse prevention services provided by local contracted agencies. Participating families were diverted from additional involvement with the child welfare system and resolved the concerns that brought them to the attention of child welfare.
FYC also contracts with a community-based organization for parent mentoring services, so that parents with current child welfare cases can learn from and be supported by parents that have experienced the same situation and have been successful in their journeys. Last year, over 100 parents with new child welfare cases worked with a parent mentor.
FYC relies on support and leadership from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to sustain its child abuse prevention efforts. In acknowledgement of Child Abuse Prevention month, the CDSS Office of Child Abuse Prevention has asked that every county raise the Children’s Memorial Flag on Friday, April 24, 2026, as a way to conclude Child Abuse Prevention Month activities.
Prior Board Actions:
The Board annually adopts a Gold Resolution declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Not applicable.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
Not applicable.
Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.