On July 15, 2020, the California Essentials for Childhood (EfC) Initiative held a webinar entitled, “Essentials for Childhood Initiative Webinar: OCAP 2020-2025 Strategic Plan” and heard from Angela Ponivas, Bureau Chief at the Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP) at the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

The OCAP, a backbone agency in the Essentials for Childhood Initiative, works collaboratively with partners at the federal, state, and county- level with communities, tribes, and parent partners to address the prevention of child abuse and neglect and to promote healthy families and communities. The new strategic plan anticipates a future where public systems and private citizens, businesses and communities, work in unity to create a complete system of care for children and families. Key elements of the plan include:

• Lifting through capacity building
• Linking through a shared prevention agenda
• Leveraging resources to build protective factors through community and natural supports

To access the strategic plan, webinar recording, and slide deck, please see the attached files below.