A Community Conversation on Children, Youth and Families

Child welfare leaders recently came together with the community to discuss how to best serve vulnerable children and families in Los Angeles County.

Among the panelists was Shari Walker,who shared her inspirational story about being a former foster youth who is now studying to be a social worker. Department of Children and Family Services director Bobby Cagle, Acting Department of Social Services director Antonia Jiménez, and Office of Child Protection executive director Michael Nash were also on the panel.

Community-based organizations hosted resource tables to recruit foster families, court-appointed special advocates, and mentors for youth and families.

Held at the Mark Ridley-Thomas Constituent Service & Training Center, the event was the first in the Empowerment Congress Committee Cafe Series. It will be followed by a discussion on cannabis on May 9.