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We Advocate.
We Educate.
We Collaborate.
We are the County Welfare Directors Association of California. We are a nonprofit association representing the human service directors from each of California’s 58 counties.

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From Our Partners: Earned Income Disregard Falls Short of Supporting Families in CalWORKs
Read the full report by the California Budget & Policy Center

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FOSTER Documentary Screening in Sacramento
April 9: CWDA hosted an early screening of FOSTER, a documentary that follows different perspectives in child welfare and foster care within the Los Angeles County system.

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Immigration Resources for Counties
This page includes tools and resources for county human services agencies relating to immigration, health care and public benefits under current law. 

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From Our Partners: Child Poverty in California
Without the social safety net, over 35% of children in California would be living in poverty. Read the full PPIC report.

Hot Topics

Hot topic Child Welfare

FOSTER Documentary Screening in Sacramento
April 9: CWDA hosted an early screening of FOSTER, a documentary that follows different perspectives in child welfare and foster care within the Los Angeles County system.

Hot topic Trauma-Informed Care

Screening Kids from Birth to Age 5 for Trauma
New report by ChildrenNow highlights the importance of screening young children for trauma and includes recommendations for California to implement trauma screenings and utilize trauma-informed care.

Hot topic Immigration

Counties Work to Ease Client Concerns
State and federal laws are still in effect that entitle clients to health care coverage and assistance that they are eligible to receive. Find resources for Counties assisting clients from immigrant communities seeking further guidance here.

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News & Updates

Recent News

Press release

HBO Documentary Film FOSTER Comes to California As Part of 10-State Social Impact Screening Tour Hosted by Participant Media
Campaign seeks to accelerate solutions to support children and families in the California foster care system and in communities across the country

SACRAMENTO – The upcoming documentary FOSTER, presented by Participant Media and Emerson Collective, in association with HBO Documentary Films, is coming to Sacramento on April 9 as part of a special 10-state social impact tour that aims to change perceptions about foster youth and accelerate solutions for children and families in the foster care system.

Article California Health Report

For Foster Youth in Crisis, Advocates Seek Another Option Besides 911

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett

Foster parents often have trouble getting prompt help when a traumatized child in their care acts up or struggles to adapt to a new home.

Event Megan Gamble

FOSTER Documentary Screening in Sacramento
Co-hosted by CWDA April 9, 2019

CWDA joined Participant Media and HBO to present an early screening of FOSTER, a documentary that follows different perspectives in child welfare and foster care within the Los Angeles County system. This film is an honest and unflinching look into the lives of families, youth, caregivers, and social workers. 

Press release

Assemblyman Ken Cooley and the California Legislature Recognize Michelle Callejas as an Extraordinary Woman at Annual Celebration of Women’s History Month

Assemblyman Ken Cooley joined the California Legislative Women’s Caucus to recognize extraordinary women from across the state in celebration of Women’s History Month. This year, the Assemblyman honored Michelle Callejas of Sacramento. 

“Recognizing Michelle on this momentous occasion at the Capitol brings me great pride,” said Assemblyman Cooley. “Michelle’s dedication to working collaboratively with families and partners within our community fosters better experiences and exemplifies outstanding community service.”

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Blog Posts

Blog post Cathy Senderling-McDonald

The Road Ahead for California’s Foster Care Reform

CWDA continues to fight for the tools and resources necessary for the success of Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) in California’s child welfare system. It is imperative that California enact legislation that will help California meet the goals of this major foster care reform effort and ensure that funding is dedicated to that purpose. We must ensure that foster youth and caregivers are supported and stable as we continue to roll out and learn from this reform effort. To that end, we are determined to see two important policy efforts implemented in the coming year.

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