Hi Friend,

On Monday, May 13th, President and CEO of Brightpoint, Mike Shaver’s op-ed, “A system that blames parents when poverty is the real problem” was published in the Equity section of Crain’s Chicago Business. Mike explores the transformative potential of prioritizing prevention in child welfare and addressing the critical role poverty plays in shaping the welfare landscape.

A system that blames parents when poverty is the real problem

By Mike Shaver, President and CEO, Brightpoint

Throughout its history, the child welfare system has leaned heavily on disruptive interventions for families facing crises. Mike challenges the traditional approach of the child welfare system, and advocates for a profound shift towards prioritizing prevention over intervention. Mike emphasizes the reliance on disruptive measures and reinforces the significance of Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) Director Heidi Mueller's vision for nurturing strong, healthy families as a cornerstone of child safety.

Mike calls for systemic change, urging a reevaluation of institutional biases and a concerted effort to address poverty as a primary driver of neglect. Through redirecting resources towards preventive measures and fostering collaborative partnerships, Mike contends that investing in resilient families is paramount for ensuring the holistic well-being of children and communities alike

If you know someone who might be interested in Mike’s commentary, you can share it using the forward button below. You can also make a gift towards our efforts by clicking here. Together, we can help families and children thrive