Child & Family Service

Since 1899, Child & Family Service (CFS) has been dedicated to its mission of “Strengthening families and fostering the healthy development of children". This private nonprofit is located in the state of Hawaii and has nearly 50 programs that offer an array of effective and culturally relevant services to Hawaii's residents struggling with serious social needs.

Examples of CFS programs include parenting classes designed to prevent child abuse; secondary education to provide at-risk youth with the strength and tools needed to graduate from high school and pursue worthwhile goals; transitional housing to help families shattered by domestic violence change their lives and gain independent living skills; support services to prevent burnout for those caring for seniors; and recreational programs to keep seniors active and connected to their communities.

Services are offered through multiple channels, including homes, schools, community centers, and offices statewide. Within the past fiscal year (July 2018 - June 2019), CFS provided direct services, to more than 15,000 individuals and touched another 50,000+ lives through phone calls, referrals, educational presentations, and by providing for those visiting walk-in family centers. These cfamily centers provide an entry point for additional CFS services and referrals to other community resources.

Our organization's motto, "We're All About FAMILY", reflects our commitment to the individuals and families we serve. Using a family-centered, full-service approach, CFS:

1) Welcomes Families - CFS provides a warm and friendly environment with easy access to our programs through multiple entry points. Those in need of services can connect with CFS staff through walk-in family centers and phone/online call centers. Everyone is greeted with respect and without judgment.

2) Walks with Families - We help our program participants find the services they need, whether those services are offered through our organization or through other community resources.

3) Meets Families Where They Are - CFS staff provide culturally informed services to best serve our diverse population of program participants. Our offices also offer comfortable environments where we can engage with and get to know those seeking support.

4) Proves Effectiveness - Our organization uses Results Based Accountability to measure the impact of CFS programs. Through the collection of hard data, we are able to tell which programs and approaches are effective and which services can be improved.

Child & Family Service has been part of Hawaii's community for more than 120 years. Our programs focus on four core areas, including: 1) Caring for Keiki (children); 2) Empowering Youth; 3) Healing from Trauma; and 4) Honoring Kūpuna (Elderly).

The expertise and cultural diversity of the CFS Staff creates opportunities for them to learn about different cultural approaches with clients and to share both formally and informally with one another. To complement this, all staff members receive ongoing training on cultural competency as well as in Trauma-Informed Care approaches to providing services. Trauma-Informed Care is an updated approach to working with clients that acknowledges their experience and the effects of trauma in their lives.

Training in Best Practices is continually provided to new and existing staff, and is reinforced through ongoing supportive trainings throughout the year, most of which is funded through private support. Staff members are also encouraged to attend community trainings and receive information on new research, trends and practices to assist them in providing services. Effectiveness of services provided to program participants is measured using the Results-Based Accountability™ model, a data-driven approach to measuring outcomes and impact in the community.

What We've Accomplished

Examples of positive outcomes for CFS program participants in 2014 include:
Infants and Children
● 88% of children achieved age-appropriate developmental milestones or were in the process of referral for remedial services.
● 99% of parents enrolled in the Healthy Start program for one year or more have no reports of child abuse.

Teens
● 88% of youths improved, or remained unimpaired in, their interpersonal social interactions.
● 99% of youths reduced high-risk behaviors.

Adults and Families
● 84% of families that stayed in CFS transitional housing did not return to abusive relationships.
● 79% of families in CFS transitional housing completed a safety plan for themselves and their children.

The Elderly
● 92% of program participants in The Health Maintenance Exercise Program have remained in non-institutional residences.
● 84% of program participants strengthened connections with family, friends and community.


What We're Working Toward

Through its quality programming and service delivery, CFS has had an excellent track record in attracting and executing contracts with public and private funders for specific programs that largely meet the needs of Hawaii's most at-risk for abuse or neglect. However, due to the specificity of contracts and service parameters, this also means that there are thousands in our community that need help but may not be able to receive support due to contract parameters.

CFS will never refuse services to those in need. However, meeting the needs of all who come to our organization for help does present the financial challenge of finding additional sources of funding. CFS is addressing this challenge through the establishment of alternative revenue sources including a major gifts initiative, called Stronger Families Fund. The Stronger Families Fund has a goal of raising $3 million by June 2018, and will provide a reliable revenue stream for CFS, allowing the organization to chart its own course, address pressing needs, and build on its successes through wise investments.

CFS also intends to grow its donor base and partners through marketing efforts that include leveraging its reach with media, the business community, and current donors. Hawaii's upcoming generation of young workers will also be encouraged to be active participants in collectively helping to strengthen families in our community. In 2015, CFS will redesign its public website to better connect with the organization's intended audience. Additionally, CFS will broaden its public education activities, using the experience and expertise of its leadership team and staff members.