By Christopher Findlay, Senior Marketing Manager
Today’s Front Line Hero is Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois for their efforts to neutralize racism within America’s child welfare system.
With the reality of racial discrimination in American society in mind, LCFS Illinois is committed to fostering conversations about the role of race within its ranks and strives to be a color-cognizant organization. Its mission to protect children and strengthen families for nearly 150 years continues today with an eye on addressing systemic racism and the social injustices that occur as a result.
Fully embracing the responsibility of being an anti-racist organization and commitment to upending systemic racism is part of LCFS Illinois’ long-term goals. The protests last summer in the wake of George Floyd’s death only sharpened LCFS’ resolve. The organization released a well-recognized case study, “Dismantling Institutional Racism Brick by Brick,” which was named a finalist by the Council on Accreditation for the 2020 Innovation Award. LCFS will follow up on the study’s findings with a virtual event on Thursday, January 21, to share how it is moving the needle within their foster care program by increasing permanency for youth of color and decreasing days in care.
There are about 2.9 million children in Illinois. Thank you to LCFS Illinois for your dedication toward ensuring each and every child has a safe and loving home to call their own.
