 | Press ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2006
Contact: Public Communications Officer Andrew Kotch 707-784-6122
Solano County Receives National Recognition for Child Care Program
FAIRFIELD, CA. – Solano County’s multi-disciplinary Integrated Family Support Initiative (IFSI) has received the “Counties Care for Kids” Award , a national recognition by the National Association of Counties (NACo), for their exemplary support of children and families. The award highlights the critical role that Solano County plays in early childhood development, child protection and school readiness.
“This is an outstanding national recognition for Solano County,” commented Solano County Supervisor Barbara Kondylis. “Our County takes the care and development of our children very seriously, and the work of the Integrated Family Support Initiative is an example of our commitment to children.”
“The quality of the IFSI program is exemplified by this NACo award and also by the selection of IFSI to be highlighted at the First 5 California Annual Statewide Conference,” added John Vasquez, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
Solano County’s multi-disciplinary Integrated Family Support Initiative (IFSI) provides seamless family support services to families with children up to age 5 who are at risk of child abuse and neglect. Through community partnerships, IFSI home visits assist families with basic needs, education, employment, family functioning, health education, income maintenance, legal services and access to medical and mental health care.
Measured positive family outcomes have increased significantly under IFSI. Since July, 2000, no fewer than 3,740 families, with 9,365 children, have been served by this collaborative of the Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, the Children’s Network of Solano County, First 5 Solano, the Family Resource Network of Solano and more than 20 other partners.
Operating in each of the county’s seven cities, IFSI provides a coordinated system of prevention and family support activities, while mirroring the diversity and uniqueness of the families it serves.
“One of the unique attributes of this system is the fact that it was developed by a collaborative of community-based organizations, and designed from it’s inception to respond to the real needs of families in our communities,” said Kim Thomas, Director of Children’s Network, the agency which coordinated the IFSI collaborative. “Solano County is so fortunate to have such talented, dedicated partners in the community, and equally fortunate to have elected leadership that puts the need of children high on the priority list for available funding.”
“NACo is proud to give national recognition to Solano County for supporting children and families in their communities,” said NACo President Bill Hansell. “Too many children are not getting the care and protection they deserve, but in Solano County, their county government is looking out for them.”
The IFSI program has been chosen from amongst a competitive field of applicants to be presented at the upcoming First 5 California Annual Conference. The goal of the conference is to enable county commissions and practitioners from across the state to learn from one another and from outside experts in order to better serve California’s diverse population of children and families. The topic of IFSI’s presentation is titled “The House that Collaboration Built: Keeping Children Safe and Supporting Family Strength through Collaboration”. It will be presented on May 25th in San Diego. |