cultural plans
empowering families
The current child welfare system often reacts to crises, intervening when families are already in need. The aim of cultural plans is to shift this focus, empowering families with preventative, strength-based strategies that prioritize children’s well-being.
Inspired by traditional practices in our communities, where extended family members like godparents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles step forward to support children, cultural plans require parents to develop this plan for each child, identifying key family members or trusted adults who can provide support. Cultural plans are flexible and allow families to designate individuals as needed.
Two specific roles must be filled: The Family Head is responsible for gathering the family to discuss important decisions regarding the child. A child may have more than one family head, depending on their family connections. The Receiver is similar to a godparent or guardian. This person takes on the responsibility of acting as a "second parent" if the parent(s) are unable to care for the child. This way, parents maintain the authority to decide who will care for their child in their absence.
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SCFSS’s Community Navigators help connect families with resources, working with a committee of community leaders and elders to ensure culturally-informed solutions. This holistic, prevention-focused approach strengthens communities through education, engagement, and traditional values.
By drawing on ancestral knowledge, SCFSS aims to create a sustainable support system that empowers families and ensures the well-being of future generations.
