The importance of parent leadership

Parents can partner with the child welfare system to educate others on the programs and services that support safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments. When parents contribute their expertise and experience, the Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) gains valuable knowledge that is used to improve policies and strengthen and support families. 

In June 2019, DFCS formed the Georgia Parent Advisory Council (GA PAC) to cultivate and encourage parent partnerships. The GA PAC was created to advise DFCS about changes needed within child welfare services and systems, particularly child abuse prevention programming. The council is comprised of a diverse group of up to 14 parents from various communities across the state and helps serve as a sounding board for ideas and questions related to child welfare. These individuals have a range of personal experiences with the child welfare system or success using community support services to strengthen their own families. 

Since the creation of GA PAC, council members have been active participants in division meetings, child welfare conferences, presentations, focus groups, and provided guidance on agency projects that have improved the child welfare system. 

We currently have four openings on the GA PAC and encourage applications from:

• Fathers
• Kinship caregivers
• Foster and/or adoptive parents
• Parents in recovery for 18 months or more
• Parents with previous involvement in the child protective services system with a case that has been closed for a minimum of 8-12 months
• Parents with experience using community-based prevention services like parent support groups, home visiting programs, family or community resources centers, etc. 

If you’re interested in applying for the GA PAC, you can complete the application here. 

Read firsthand how the GA PAC and taking advantage of parent leadership opportunities has impacted our current council members below. 

Why is parent leadership so important?

“Parent leadership is an essential part of a system that is adapting to focus on not only the needs of the child, but also on the holistic needs of the family as a unit. Embracing the uniqueness of each family by elevating lived experience gives parents an opportunity to lead the way in enacting lasting change in the Georgia child welfare system.” – Erin Thomas 

Why would you encourage parents to take advantage of leadership opportunities in their community?

“A parent is a child first advocate. Although every community is different, engaging in your community can be very rewarding. Attending community events around your schedule can connect you to community organization and resources to support your own family. You will find yourself a better and more effective leader and a more knowledgeable parent by navigating local resources in your community.” – Joanna Jackson 

Why did you decided to join the GA PAC?

“I joined GA PAC to have a voice at the table as a foster parent, help provide support to foster parents struggling with partnering with birth families, provide support to those struggling to say yes to teens, and to provide support in partnering with their local agency and navigating community resources, etc.” – Kimberly Fowler

Related to: 

• Division of Family & Children Services