As BACW reflects on its progress throughout the year, we are reminded of how much remains in achieving our mission. Although the organization has encountered obstacles and disappointments in its struggle to influence the child welfare agenda, a clear vision has been maintained, progress and growth have been realized and new horizons and challenges are anticipated with much enthusiasm.

BACW is committed to engaging the national child welfare community in continuing to address the issues of overrepresentation of African American children in the child welfare system and the lack of African American leadership in key decision-making positions. In addressing these issues, we will vigorously work to promote the safety, permanency and well being of not only African Americans, but also all children who come to the attention of the child welfare system. The activities highlighted below are representative of our efforts within the past year toward achieving our vision and mission. (Click on each activity for more information.)

• Three-year Strategic Plan
• Primary Areas of Concentration Identified
• Staff Hirings
• Annual Conferences
• Kinship Care
• Expansion of Cultural Competency Training
• Regional Meetings
• New BACW Affiliate
• Legislative Involvement

Three-year Strategic Plan
Of primary significance, BACW’s Board of Directors formally adopted a three-year strategic plan in an effort to build an even stronger infrastructure that will place the organization in a better position to accomplish its mission and goals. BACW will move from a volunteer Board-run organization to a self-sustained organization with a staff to oversee day-to-day operations. A major shift that requires the Board to assume a different role, this change will afford the organization a way to better serve the membership, influence our partners and craft and implement new strategies to assume our rightful position in child welfare on behalf of African American children and their families.
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Primary Areas of Concentration Identified
This three-year plan also outlined BACW’s three primary areas of concentration. These include establishing BACW as a separate organization from CWLA, moving forward with a new organization and transitioning toward autonomy; designing and implementing a leadership development program in which BACW will mentor, train and prepare interested members for leadership roles within the child welfare area and help place them in key positions; and increasing our membership base and presence and exploring new fund development opportunities.
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Staff Hirings
In August 2001, Sondra Jackson was hired as the first Executive Director of BACW. This appointment marked the beginning of a new era for the organization, and will serve as a springboard in increasing BACW’s impact on child welfare policy and developing African American leaders in the field of child welfare.
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Annual Conferences
BACW annual conferences bring together child welfare leaders and practitioners across the country to learn, exchange ideas and raise issues regarding child welfare, particularly children of color.
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Kinship Care
The Board of Directors recently developed BACW’s official policy statement on kinship care, recognizing it as a preferred and viable option for children who cannot live with their parents. The BACW views kinship care as a component of family preservation services, as it gives children a chance to remain with their families and retain cultural and family identity.
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Expansion of Cultural Competency Training
The Cultural Competence Curriculum entitled "A Journey to Cultural Competency," has been well received in several agencies. These agencies included Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth in Canaan, New York, Klingberg Family Center in New Britain, Connecticut and Community Behavioral Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. BACW continues to offer this crucial training, with additional contracts currently being negotiated. We recognize the value of the training in helping child welfare administrators and practitioners provide services to African American children and families.
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Regional Meetings
BACW members and potential members attended regional meetings in Nashville, Tennessee (Southern Region), Cleveland, Ohio ( Midwest Region) and Atlantic City, New Jersey (Northeastern Region). Attendees addressed issues of overrepresentation in their individual states as well as the lack of African American executives in child welfare agencies.
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New BACW Affiliate
As of January 2002, Men Against Destruction, Defending Against Drugs and Social-disorder (MAD DADS) became an affiliate of BACW. A national, non-profit, non-traditional parenting organization, MAD DADS is designed to mobilize men in the struggle to save youth from guns, drugs and social disorder. Working in partnership, BACW will provide technical assistance and training to 50 MAD DADS chapters in 15 states. As a result of this joint effort, BACW is in the process of negotiating with other potential affiliate groups.
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Legislative Involvement
Participated In the Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus and legislative sub committee hearings in Texas.
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