Safe & Sound’s TALK Line provides 24/7 support for parents and caregivers in a moment of need. No matter the time or circumstance, caregivers in need can call and connect with a trained volunteer who offers immediate support.

Sometimes, a couple of calls can make all the difference. That was the case for *Darlene, who was experiencing power struggles with her two-year-old daughter being oppositional—like refusing to put on her pajamas and having a bit of a meltdown. Having first heard of TALK Line as a recommended resource during her social work training, Darlene reached out, seeking ways to address her daughter’s behavior with patience and understanding. The volunteer’s judgment-free approach made Darlene feel comfortable to share, and his ‘unconditional positive regard’ reinforced her strengths as a parent.

It was ten years before Darlene called the TALK Line again—this time, her need was more acute. Darlene’s daughter was now twelve years old and experiencing significant issues, including self-harm. Being part of Safe & Sound means our call operators can refer callers to our other programs and services, which may benefit them. Darlene chose to attend weekly in-person therapy sessions with Safe & Sound to explore her complex emotions as a mother and process her grief.

This relationship has been a constant during some tumultuous years, during which Darlene’s daughter was a resident at different adolescent treatment centers, some out of state. Though not a therapist, Sheila offers a kind of support that feels therapeutic. As a mother herself, Sheila brings wisdom and insight, creating a space where Darlene feels understood. Their weekly conversations have become a source of reflection and encouragement, reinforcing Darlene’s confidence and resilience as a parent.

Darlene’s daughter is now 18 and continues to face challenges—but she’s not facing them alone. With her mother’s unwavering support, she is moving forward. Through ongoing commitment to the TALK Line and therapy, Darlene has strengthened her skills and resilience as a parent, tackling everyday struggles and complex situations with determination. And she still calls Sheila every week, who will be there for her as long as she needs it.
*Name has been changed for confidentiality purposes.

Last year, our TALK Line volunteers provided 4,000 supportive conversations, serving as a lifeline for caregivers whenever they needed help—day or night, regardless of the situation. This 24/7 service is critical in preventing child abuse, neglect, and trauma—ensuring no caregiver feels alone.

With your generosity, Safe & Sound can reach even more families, providing the guidance and reassurance that help keep children safe and families strong. Every gift makes a difference. Your support enables us to continue to support children and families in the Bay Area.

When I first came to Safe & Sound, I felt overwhelmed as the sole provider for my family, caring for three children and my wife, who requires extra support. Safe & Sound provided me with the support I needed while my kids participated in fun activities in their playroom. I enrolled in the Integrated Family Services and, with the support of my care coordinator, set goals for my family. Safe & Sound provided parenting classes and helped me focus on individual therapy, giving me the tools to make my family stronger and become an active father. After two years, we were in a much happier place when we finished the program.

I’m thrilled to share that today, I work full-time as a school bus driver and earn enough to support my family! My son graduates high school in the next two years, and I’m excited that the Safe & Sound team is already thinking about how to help him achieve his educational goals. I know that with their support and mine he will go on to achieve great things.

Thanks to your generous support, Safe & Sound has been able to provide vital services to families like mine. In 2023, more than 16,000 children and caregivers were served through Safe & Sound programs and supportive services.

Today, I want to ask you to spread holiday joy by making a contribution to Safe & SoundYour kindness gives us the assurance that Safe & Sound will be there to lend a helping hand when we are facing life’s biggest challenges, empowering us to dream and work towards a better future.

Safe & Sound has been a reliable place for parenting support, but it also felt safe, caring, and compassionate, which helped strengthen my family during tough times. Every family that walks through the doors has their own struggles, but it’s possible to turn things around. Safe & Sound creates a unique connection with each family and being participant-centered and participant-led allows families to access the services that will best support them. Whether it’s immediate assistance to help meet basic food and household needs, help with parenting skills, a caring voice at the other end of their 24/7 parental stress call-in line, or individuals to share your challenges and hopes with either one-on-one or with a group of other parents, Safe & Sound knows how to help families thrive.

Your gift as a Safe & Sound community member wraps all of this support around every family that comes to Safe & Sound with hope of a better future for themselves and their children. I know this incredible resource for families is possible because of the contributions made by people like you and, for this, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, for partnering with Safe & Sound mission to prevent and reduce the impact of childhood abuse, neglect and trauma.

Happy Holidays,

Ramon E. Rivera
Parent & a Client of Safe & Sound

By: Jenny Pearlman, Chief Policy Officer at Safe & Sound

I recently had the honor of presenting at a webinar hosted by CalTrin titled Spotlight on Neglect. It was an inspiring and collaborative experience, and I was joined by my esteemed peers from Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) America, as well as their Arizona and Virginia PCA affiliates. Together, our goal was to raise awareness about the high correlation of poverty and allegations of neglect and the fact that providing families with the resources and supports they need can keep families safely together without unnecessary child welfare involvement.

During my presentation, I highlighted some critical points that we need to keep in the forefront of our minds. One of the most striking is that 45% of allegations of abuse and neglect in California are for neglect, and only 1 in 9 allegations is substantiated. This shows alarming overreporting of children into the child welfare system—especially African American, Native American, and Latino children. The majority of these reports are related to poverty or other parental circumstances where families could be supported and strengthened through community services and resources, rather than experiencing the trauma of a child protective services investigation.

At Safe & Sound, we are honored to be at the forefront of the work in California to reform policies and practices that perpetuate overreporting. Additionally, through efforts such as our leadership of the Family Services Alliance, we aim to ensure that families receive the support they need without unnecessary and traumatic interventions from the child welfare system.

A key milestone in our work was involvement in the successful advocacy for AB 2085, a bill, effective in January 2023, that prohibits mandated reporting based on economic disadvantage. This is a significant step towards addressing the root causes of overreporting and ensuring that families are not unfairly targeted due to their economic circumstances.

In addition to our legislative efforts, Safe & Sound has played a leadership role in launching a statewide task force to reform mandated reporting. The recently presented recommendations from this task Force include a bold proposal: that mandated reporters no longer be required to report general neglect. This package of recommendations is designed to:

• Limit the overreporting of families whose needs can be met outside of child protective services.
  
• Eliminate inaccurate reports by mandated reporters.
  
• Address racial disproportionality within the child welfare system.
  
• Reallocate investments from the child welfare system to community supports.

These initiatives are crucial for creating a more just and effective system that truly supports and strengthens families. By shifting the focus from punitive measures to supportive community services, we can help ensure that children and families thrive without the fear and trauma associated with unnecessary child protective services involvement.

As we continue this vital work, I am grateful for the dedication and collaboration of our partners at PCA America and its affiliates. Together, we are making strides towards a more equitable and supportive child welfare system. Thank you to everyone who participated in the webinar and for your ongoing commitment to protecting and uplifting our children and families.

Last year, just before the school year started, Mia’s family joined us at our Community Night Dinner. Mia’s family had been going through a tough time, and her mother, with tears in her eyes, confided that she couldn’t afford new school supplies for Mia. Safe & Sound jumped into action and provided Mia with a new backpack filled with all the essentials, and her face lit up with pure joy. She hugged the backpack tightly, like a treasure chest, and said, “Now I can go to school like everyone else.” For Mia and her family, that backpack was more than just supplies—it was hope, and a chance to start the school year on equal footing with her peers.

As we enjoy the beautiful start of summer, you can help Safe & Sound prepare for our annual Back-to-School drive for the upcoming school year. We are determined to support all the children and families we serve, especially those in vulnerable situations. The anticipation of a new school year, filled with learnings and friendships, often comes with significant stress for some families. Rising costs, financial constraints, and emotional strains make it difficult for many parents to afford essential school supplies for their children.

Imagine the joy of starting a new school year with a brand new backpack and new supplies, or the excitement in a child’s eyes on the first day back seeing friends. Our annual Back-to-School Drive provides all the essential items that a kid would need – a backpack with school supplies. This drive brings joy to nearly 250 kids each year, helping them start the school year with confidence and excitement.

Your generous donation allows us to purchase the school items that a child would need to attend a school. You can also donate by buying supplies directly from our Amazon wish list! Your support will bring smiles and hope to so many children in our community.

Your help is vital to our mission of ensuring families have access to the resources they need for a strong start to the school year. By reducing the financial burden and stress on parents, we can work together to prevent child abuse, neglect, and trauma, paving the way for a successful academic year. Thank you for considering partnering with us on this essential campaign.

THE STATISTICS CAN BE ALARMING

In 2022, every day over 140 children in California experienced child abuse or neglect. And in San Francisco alone, one child was reported to Child Protected Services every 1.8 hours.

Every child deserves the right to grow up in a safe and sound environment, yet child abuse and neglect know no boundaries, affecting families regardless of socioeconomic status. There is hope, because Safe & Sound knows that almost all of these incidents can be avoided by providing timely guidance, the right resources, and the support parents need.

THE SOLUTION CAN BE SIMPLE: TALK TO PARENTS

Logging over 650 calls per month, and an astounding 85,000 calls in the past decade, Safe & Sound’s 24/7 TALK (Telephone Aid in Living with Kids) Line has been a lifeline for families in San Francisco and the Greater Bay Area since 1976. As our longest running program ever, this round-the-clock service plays a huge role in our prevention efforts as we are able to connect with caregivers in need of support no matter the time or the issue.

The TALK Line is our “front door” that many families use for our direct, supportive, wrap-around services. Just one call to the TALK Line can change a family’s life forever. Your gift today, no matter the amount, will have a significant impact on the children and families in our community who reach out to us every day.

Right now, you can help ensure that ALL children can grow up safe, protected, and loved.

Joyous sounds fill Safe & Sound’s Therapeutic Children’s Playroom as children giggle and play. The Playroom, always buzzing with activities, nurtures positive interactions among the kids, fostering bonding and social-emotional learning and school readiness skills. The children, ages 1 month – 12 years old, visit the Playroom while their parents participate in therapy services, attend workshops, or receive support from the dedicated Safe & Sound staff.

Recently, amidst the cheerful atmosphere, a poignant moment emerged. A child’s unexpected words cut through the laughter, “We do not have a home to go back to, my family doesn’t live there anymore.” The Safe & Sound team’s eyes swiftly turned toward Joey, the child who had just spoken these heartfelt words.

“I don’t know what I would do if Safe & Sound didn’t exist”, says Barbara, the child’s mom. “Because of Safe & Sound, we live under a roof, and Joey is in a safe place now.” Many families in vulnerable situations face stressful challenges like this, and the stress is compounded when a parent has to worry about their child being removed from them if they can’t provide basic needs like housing. Imagine life circumstances getting in the way of being able to provide care and nurturing for your child.

Your generous donation today contributes directly to Safe & Sound’s success in improving life for children and families in San Francisco and the Bay Area. The assistance and support of the Safe & Sound community—individuals like YOU—empower us to fortify families like Barbara’s so they can be the most effective caregivers for their children. Your gift as a Safe & Sound community member ensures all families are not alone during some of the biggest challenges faced by parents and children.

• Our multilingual Clinical Care Coordinators provide:
  
  • Immediate assistance such as applying for affordable housing, securing educational services for children, and supporting parents in navigating the referrals, connections, and applications that will help secure tailored support for their long-term success.
    
  • Integrated Family Services (IFS) for families requiring a more structured and comprehensive support system as they work to increase their parenting skills and build strengthening relationships in the community.
    
• The TALK Line volunteers provide 24/7 parental stress phone support because the journey of parenting can be challenging.
  
• Staff and volunteers who manage our Playroom and parenting classes ensure that all children are safe, protected, and loved.
  
• Our therapists offer personalized one-on-one therapy services designed for children, parents, and families to deliver comprehensive support to our clients.
  
• And finally, generous donors make sure that parents and children receive all of these services for free, including funds for childcare when needed.

Your gift as a Safe & Sound community member wraps all of this support around every family that comes Safe & Sound with hope of a better future for themselves and their children. Thank you for being a partner in our mission to prevent and reduce the impact of childhood abuse, neglect and trauma.

Happy holidays,

Gagan Sandhu
Chief Program Officer

As a new school year approaches, the excitement of seeing friends and learning new things can quickly be erased by the stresses too often felt by families living in vulnerable situations. With rising inflation, financial constraints, limited access to resources, and emotional and psychological strain, parents may be unable to afford basic school supplies and support for their children. Your continued generous support helps Safe & Sound ensure that all children can return to school happy and ready to learn, and that families facing hardships receive the necessary support to overcome challenges all year long.

Safe & Sound plays a critical role in helping families by providing a wide range of services, resources, workshops, and classes specifically designed to alleviate the stress that often accompanies summer holidays and back-to-school time.

One of our signature programs, the Therapeutic Children’s Playroom, has experienced a surge in drop-in visits this summer. Our program is a vital resource, offering therapeutic care and early interventions for children and their parents/caregivers. Beyond providing a safe environment for children to participate in educational and enjoyable activities, we also facilitate a food pantry, organize family dinners, and offer emergency support for immediate needs. The other engaging and popular summer activities include movie sessions in the playroom, where children and caregivers enjoy together while indulging in popcorn, candy, and other fun treats. These additional services empower parents to access stabilizing resources and alleviate stress so parents and caregivers can do what they most want to do—focus on their children.

Dear Child, Family, and Community Well-Being Partners,

We are excited to connect with you today about California’s commitment to build communities that keep children and youth safe and families together. Specifically, California has approved the formation of a Mandated Reporting to Community Supporting (MRCS) Task Force to help realize this commitment.

This communication provides information on the purpose, progress, and next steps of the MRCS Task Force. We invite you to learn more, and to share this information broadly, as we all have a role to play in building communities that keep children safe and families together.

What we are working toward
The need for change in the mandated reporting system is evidenced in the large volume of reports to child protection hotlines each year that ultimately end up being screened out, unsubstantiated, or included as allegations of general neglect only. The negative impact of overreporting is most significant for Black/African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Latino/a children and families who are disproportionately represented in these reports, and in the child welfare system overall.

On March 13, 2023, the California Child Welfare Council (CWC) unanimously approved a set of Community Pathway Recommendations with the following goals:

• Reform the state’s mandated reporting system so children and families are safely supported in their communities. You may start to hear about this as Mandated Reporting to Community Supporting.
  
• Build strong and connected community supports that understand, connect to, and enhance the natural strengths of every family. You may start to hear about this as Building a Community Pathway.

Achieving these two goals requires working side-by-side with individuals and families with lived experience and expertise to transform current mandated reporting practices and policies, build community support networks, and equip mandated reporters with tools and information to change their practices.