As a local affiliate of the National Black Administrators in Child Welfare, the Black Administrators in Child Welfare of Illinois (BACW-I) was formed and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2014. The Chapter was established to promote the development of African American leaders, support national and state child welfare and social justice efforts. BACW-I is committed to working in collaboration with state and local human service agencies to reduce disproportionality and address disparate treatment by strengthening the development of families of color. Our intent is to implement lasting changes and cultivate leadership in the child welfare system in Illinois. Our key priorities are, but not limited to, leadership preparedness, leadership succession, focus on prevention, kinship care, education, family, community engagement, economic growth and development, mental health and juvenile justice. Through collaboratives/partnerships, we will address such disparities and issues of disproportionality through establishing various programs specific to educating professionals and the community. Such programs will provide resources that will empower the community to address issues that cause children to remain in substitute care, and advocate for reunification. Educational and developmental programs will be established to enhance the skills of child welfare professionals and students, enabling them to serve on an administrative level.

MISSION
The mission of the BACW of Illinois LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE is to ensure a pipeline of equipped future
leaders who are prepared to abolish racist practices and lead with re-imagined visions of more inclusive and diverse anti-racist child welfare practices.

OUR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE GOALS
The BACW Child Welfare Leadership Institute will recruit African American supervisors and front line staff (investigators and case managers) employed in public and private agencies on the southside of Chicago. The project will address structural racism using data-driven approaches to identify key areas of racial disparities in child welfare outcomes. Such disparities often result in the disruption of families - children placed in foster care. The outcomes will be examined using a historical framework and an African-centered lens. The Institute would develop an African-centered curriculum that addresses preventive and proactive child welfare strategies aimed at family preservation, and decrease the overrepresentation of children of color languishing in the foster care system. The African centered competency-based training will consist of modules, webinars and networking with leading African American child welfare experts to inform existing practices through a race informed lens. Participants will be matched with African American child welfare mentors to discuss and implement race-informed strategies that promotes permanency, family’s strengths, and child safety.

Be a part of the Black Administrators in Child Welfare of Illinois Institute – advancing the self-efficacy that African American leaders require when engaging with dominant culture institutions such as Child Welfare.

The BACW-I has begun the selection process for the Leadership Institute, opening up an opportunity for African American child welfare leaders to be a part of a national strategy that is committed to transforming the child welfare system.

The BACW-I has cultivated a reputation of innovation and dedication in the
child welfare space and is excited to begin this work!

What is the BACW-I Child Welfare Leadership Institute?
The BACW-I Leadership Institute is an opportunity to incubate the
experiences, knowledge, wisdom, and ideas required to build a system
driven by race-equity. This requires a deliberate investment in
recruiting, developing, mentoring and sponsoring African American
leaders.

Why is the BACW-I Child Welfare Leadership Institute needed?
The current child welfare situation in the United States is not acceptable
for children of color. We must ensure the Black experience becomes a
part of the awareness, understanding and service delivery of child
welfare agencies throughout the nation to better serve Black children
and families in a manner that enriches their lives.

How is the BACW-I Child Welfare Leadership Institute organized?
Group sessions, as well as dedicated mentors are designed to meet your specific needs, answer your specific questions, and heighten your specific leadership style. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Who should attend the BACW-I Child Welfare Leadership Institute?
You are an African-American innovative leader looking to become a change agent, contributing to transforming the system of child welfare. The Child Welfare Leadership Institute is designed to help you set and reach your goals in a space where you can feel safe in your authentic selves. African-American men and women with at least seven years of work experience in corporate, nonprofit, government or entrepreneurial sectors within our community are encouraged to apply.

We know program, practice and policy improvements to reduce the over-representation of African American children and families in the child welfare system requires LEADERSHIP within child welfare agencies.

The Black Administrators in Child Welfare of Illinois Leadership Institute selection process is competitive. Ask yourself……

Are you committed to both personal and professional growth? This includes a sense of readiness to jump into the learning and an investment of your time and
energy to get the most out of the Black Administrators in Child Welfare of Illinois Leadership Institute.

Are you committed to immersive learning? This means you are ready to apply the learning in real time.
Are you committed to transforming the child welfare sector? This includes a strong intention to make a career in the field.
Are you committed to being a child welfare leader? This means you are deliberately looking for ways to advance your own career as well as the careers of other African American leaders.
Are you committed to advocating for race-equity in child welfare? This means you recognize that your role goes past a job description and includes advocacy work for African American families.

What to Expect……
Real Talk: 
Candid, open and honest conversation without fear of judgment.
Sponsorship: 
Scheduled communication with an identified advocate for you in the workplace.
Mentoring: 
One-on-one sessions with an experienced child welfare leader. Regular touchpoints will be established to support the learning sessions.
Capstone Group Project: 
Collaboration with other leaders to apply your learning and development.
Engagement with the BACW-I: 
Learn about the how the governance of the BACW-I is transforming child welfare and how you can be part of the movement.
BACW – I Institute Community: 
Any opportunity to become part of an exclusive leadership community.

PROGRAM OUTLINE
The Black Administrators in Child Welfare course outline was developed by nationally recognized African American leaders in child welfare. The sessions have been carefully curated to address multiple dimensions in child welfare from both a historic and contemporary lens. Note, these sessions are compatible with the child welfare administrative training.

DAY ONE-SEPTEMBER 14, 2022: Opening of Black Administrators in Child Welfare of Illinois Leadership Institute: Welcome and Overview

DAY TWO- SEPTEMBER 21, 2022: Review of Innovative Data Systems, Finance: Creative and Flexible

DAY THREE – SEPTEMBER 28, 2022: Family and Community Engagement, Kinship Services-Effective and Appropriate Use

DAY FOUR- OCTOBER 5, 2022: Youth: Informed Practices, Education: Collaboration and Partnerships

DAY FIVE- OCTOBER 12, 2022: Health: Thriving Children, Youth, and Families, Legal Services- Culturally Informed and Competent

DAY SIX – OCTOBER 20, 2022: Leadership: Culturally Competent, Program: Policies, Practices, Review, and Analysis

For Additional Information Contact:
info@bacwofillinois.org; jbright@bacwofillinois.org

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The BACW-I Leadership Institute is made possible by the support of:
Northwestern University Neighborhood and Community Relations and National Black Administrators in Child Welfare