DPSS Annual Report 24_25 FLIP v16_compressed

Children’s Services Division

Healthy Crownz is enhancing the ways Riverside County supports the self-es teem and identity of Black children in foster care. The program offers caregiv ers, youth and child welfare staff practi cal education on textured hair, skin care and culturally affirming resources so Black youth feel seen and valued while they are away from their families. The program is a core part of the Chil dren’s Services Racial Disparity and Disproportionality initiative, which aims to make a 10 percent reduction in the number of Black youth in foster care by eliminating implicit and systemic biases and supporting families early to prevent system involvement. Regional Manager Sophia Williams with Children’s Services has been an organizer of Healthy Crownz since the county first launched the pro gram in 2022. She says the program helps preserve dignity and connection for youth in care. “It’s very empowering, enlightening to see,” Williams said, noting that Black children and youth enter the foster sys tem at a disproportionately higher num ber than youth of other races. “Kids come into care because of unfortunate circumstances. The value of being able to provide them with resources that en courage their growth and development for years to come is immeasurable.”

find culturally appropriate services close to home. Events throughout Riverside Coun ty in Fiscal Year 2024/25 continued to strengthen the program’s mission and expand its reach, serving hundreds of Black youth and their caregivers, many of whom had no prior experience caring for textured hair. At the October Open House in Blythe, families received hands-on tips and giveaways. The Healthy Crownz Re source Fair in February connected care givers with specialists and foster family agencies. In June, the Haircare Resource Fair provided nearly 100 youth with per sonalized services, activities and educa tion for caregivers and social workers. Courtney Henderson, a social worker and vendor who specializes in textured hair and has hosted haircare events across Southern California since 2019, said the work is deeply tied to identity. “There is so much lost for kids when they come into the system,” she said. “Being able to create a space where they can maintain their hair and skin care, the things that are basic needs, is very important.”

Williams said Children’s Services also maintains a countywide resource list of barbers, braiders, stylists, salons and haircare stores so caregivers can easily confidence and identity for our youth, reminding them that they are deeply cared for by their community. — Sophia Williams, regional manager, Children’s Services Healthy Crownz is committed to ensuring that Black foster youth feel seen, valued, and supported. By providing culturally affirming haircare education and resources, we empower caregivers and social workers to meet the unique needs of children in care. These events not only strengthen placement stability but also build

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information,

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DPSS_Healthy_Crownz@rivco.org.

Riverside County child welfare staff and community partners prepare for a Healthy Crownz event.

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

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