DPSS Annual Report 24_25 FLIP v16_compressed

Children’s Services Division

Office of Child Abuse Prevention Takes Upstream Approach to Strengthening Families

Children’s Services, in partnership with the Administrative Services Division, opened the Office of Child Abuse Pre vention (OCAP) in Fiscal Year 2024/25 to break generational cycles of abuse and neglect in Riverside County by working with public and community-based orga nizations to identify and strengthen at risk families before harm occurs. OCAP is spearheading a data-informed, human-centric initiative with county and community partners to reduce the con ditions that can lead families into the child welfare system, said Children’s Ser vices Deputy Director Ben Slagter, who leads the office. “We are advancing an upstream ap proach to abuse and neglect by

of Education to strengthen educator engagement and explore new report ing pathways, coordinating with First 5 Riverside to establish a home visiting program for at-risk families, and a part nership with the Pechanga Band of Indi ans to host the county’s first State of the Child summit in 2026. “OCAP is building on the strong preven tion work already underway, but it also represents a long-term strategy to in novate, expand and coordinate solutions that improve the health, well-being and resiliency of local children and families,” Slagter said. “This is something we can achieve together through strong col laboration and a shared commitment among many stakeholders.”

strengthening family supports before a crisis occurs,” Slagter said. “This work must be shaped with local families, not just for them. We will be listening close ly to their experiences and needs so we can strengthen resources, close gaps and build support systems that reflect their realities.” Some of OCAP’s early initiatives include an infant safe sleeping campaign with Riverside University Health System— Public Health, collaboration with Evident Change and the Riverside County Office

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Riverside County Department of Public Social Services | Annual Report 2024 - 2025