First Annual Continuum of Care Reform Conference
Concludes with Collaborative Progress to Make CCR work for Probation Involved Foster Youth
Sacramento – Today, the Chief Probation Officers of California hosted the First Annual Continuum of Care Reform Conference: Making CCR Work for Probation Foster Youth. The conference hosted a variety of staff from probation departments, child welfare, and behavioral health departments, California Department of Social Services, former foster youth, providers and community based agencies to highlight collaborative efforts to ensure successful implementation of the historic Continuum of Care Reform.
“Today was a fantastic day of collaboration and commitment to some of the most vulnerable youth in our state,” said Chief Mark Hake, Juvenile Services Committee Chair for the Chief Probation Officers of California and Riverside County Chief Probation Officer. “I am truly encouraged that our conference reached capacity almost immediately, which indicates the level of commitment of all of us here to improve the lives of youth we are responsible to help. While there are still many details to work out, the fact that we are coming together to share what we have done so far and what challenges we still need to address, is a huge step to make CCR work for all youth.”
Also attending the conference was Assembly Member Mark Stone, who authored Assembly Bill 403, which was the landmark legislation that implemented the Continuum of Care Reform. The goal of CCR, to find a home-based placement option for youth in foster care and move away from the reliance on congregate care, can create unique challenges for youth involved in the probation system.
The conference consisted of 2 large plenary sessions as well as 8 recorded break-out sessions which addressed issues like understanding the funding streams available for probation foster youth, best practices for child and family teams, innovative foster parent recruitment strategies, and engaging group home providers as they transition to Short Term Residential Treatment Programs.
“This is a great step to get a collaborative effort started for our probation youth to make CCR work for them,” said Chief Stephanie James, Secretary of the Chief Probation Officers of California and San Joaquin County Chief Probation Officer. “While we know the challenges CCR presents, we also have seen what can be accomplished if we question norms, push the envelope, and contemplate new and innovative strategies to serving our youth.”
The Chief Probation Officers of California, are an association of all 58 counties with a shared identity as law enforcement leaders. We are committed to a research-based approach to public safety that promotes positive behavior change. Our leadership guides policy and practice in the areas of prevention, community-based corrections, secure detention and direct human services. Our goal is to prevent crime and delinquency, reduce recidivism, restore victims and promote healthy families and communities. We proudly serve our Counties and Courts.
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