The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) launched its Invest LA initiative on October 28, 2019 to resounding success! DCFS brought together more than 200 stakeholders from philanthropy, community-based organizations, service providers, and fellow County Departments to join as partners in our collective efforts to promote system improvements in safety, permanency, and well-being for children.

The initiative centers on three priority investment areas: Strengthening Children, Youth and Families, Workforce Excellence, and Community and Cross-Sector Partnership. The work in each of these areas will be guided by five foundational pillars that are crucial to a successful child welfare system, including prevention and aftercare, a shared core practice model, brain science, safety culture, and a culture of equity.

The launch event was full of enthusiasm and energy as everyone rolled up their sleeves and got to work charting the course forward. The investment area teams will continue their work over the coming months, and will shape our direction moving forward by developing strategies and recommendations designed to achieve better outcomes for all children and families. Through Invest LA, we will continue to improve our approach to providing services by focusing our attention on what is most important and building upon best practices to be as effective as possible.

Working together with our partners to invest in our community will help us make our vision of safe children, healthy families, and strong communities a reality for Los Angeles County.