Child Welfare Advocacy Programs (CWA)
Child Welfare Advocacy programs work with families involved with the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). The ultimate goal of our CWA programs is to ensure that African American families can remain whole. We know that a thriving Black community in Portland requires thriving families.
Our Services
Click on one of our programs to learn more
-
We work with parents to address identified safety risks; assisting with children staying in the home or to be able to return home. Referrals are for 12 weeks with a possible 6-week extension. If you are interested in a referral, please request your DHS Caseworker submit a referral or send an email to CWAreferrals@selfenhancement.org.
-
We assist parents to stabilize the home by addressing and removing barriers. Youth may be in the home or in foster placement. Referrals are 16 weeks with a possible 8-week extension if needed. If interested in this service, please request your DHS Caseworker submit a referral or clients may send an email to CWAreferrals@selfenhancement.org.
-
We work with relatives to empower them to be the optimal placements for kids. Referrals are for 16 weeks with a possible 8-week extension if needed. If interested in this service, please request your DHS Caseworker submit a referral or clients may send an email to CWAreferrals@selfenhancement.org.
-
We work with families to obtain new housing or stabilize housing; and to ensure housing is not a barrier that could lead to kids being removed. Referrals are for 16 weeks with an 8-week extension (for TANF recipients only) if needed. This service is open to clients with child welfare or self-sufficiency cases. There must be at least one (1) child in the home. If interested in this service, please request your DHS Family Coach/Caseworker submit a referral or clients may send an email to CWAreferrals@selfenhancement.org.
-
We work with African American fathers who have an open child welfare case and have at least one (1) child in foster placement. Fathers are referred for an 18-week cohort where we provide skill building classes on Tuesday evenings and visitation on Thursday evenings. This program increased parental education and protective factors amongst African American fathers. If interested in this service, please request your DHS Caseworker submit a referral or clients may send an email to CWAreferrals@selfenhancement.org.
-
We mentor African American youth (ages 6-18) who are, or have been, in foster placements to ensure that placements are stable, and kids do not experience the trauma of being moved multiple times. Referrals in this program can last for up to one (1) year.
f interested in this program, please submit a referral here
Learn more about our
Second Chance Act Fatherhood Engagement Program
Second Chance Act (SCA)
Incarcerated Fathers: We work with African American fathers currently incarcerated in three Oregon state penitentiaries. This program is similar to the original Fatherhood Engagement Program, where fathers receive skill-building curriculum to strengthen their parenting skills and build up their relationship with their child(ren). This program has its own internal referral process; referrals cannot be made.
Re-entry: We assist African American fathers re-entering Multnomah County after incarceration. Fathers can receive case management services for up to one (1) year. If interested in this service, please submit a referral here and submit questions to CWAreferrals@selfenhancement.org.
Youth Mentorship: We work with youth impacted by their African American father’s incarceration. This service is for youth whose father is currently incarcerated or if they have recently re-entered the community. Children impacted by their father’s incarceration can be mentored up for to one (1) year. If interested in this service, please submit a referral here and submit questions to CWAreferrals@selfenhancement.org.
“In January of 2024, we concluded our first cohort of Real Talk with Dads in the OSP correctional facility. Of the 12 dads that started the cohort, 8 of them graduated. All of the fathers enjoyed the program and spread the word about the program to other AICs. In February of 2024, we began our 2nd cohort of Real Talk with Dads, also at OSP. The fathers in the program are enjoying it and learning new skills each and every week”
“My name is TW I am a father of 8 boys 3 girls’ and 6 grandchildren. The SEI Fatherhood program has been very informative, educational, and supportive. The beginning of this program I did not have high expectations of the program because I felt with all my children and grandchildren, they would not have a group that would be able to relate to my family dynamics. To my surprise after every meeting, and a week of reflecting on our last meeting, I would look forward to our next meeting. The class is very open in subject matters, addressing group concerns, and on a personal level. The counselor also took time out on 1 on 1 basis to address personal issues helping me to think outside the box on self and family improvement. I am a grateful participant of SEI fatherhood program, for the knowledge the sincerity and most of all the support.
Thank you very much, sincerely, TW”
“I, CH Sr. have recently been involved with the SEI/SoValTi “Fatherhood: Real Talk” men’s group on Tuesday evenings. I have to say when I first started this group, I was a little apprehensive about the group, but immediately upon introduction to the curriculum, I was able to engage with the group in discussions that triggered some of the valuable traits that I want to possess as a father. I have been able to take away a lot from this cohort, knowing that I have learned and identified some areas in my life. From identifying my own values as a father, to developing values in my children. I can walk away knowing and helping shape positive values in my children. Knowing that my and or their values will influence all our decisions and everything around us. Being able to discern the difference between neglect, abuse, and discipline. Knowing that if I do not help my child know why he/she is being punished, is really me being short sighted in my actions, and not taking the time to help my children understand what they did wrong to warrant the punishment. One of the best conversations that took place for me was the anger meter awareness discussion, where if I can be aware of what takes me from frustrated to agitated, I will be all the more happy with my life’s decisions if I am able to know how to breathe take a break, and to know when and how to take a time out to get cool calm and collected before I engage in a situation.
Overall, I am finishing this class feeling like a well-informed tool sharpened father that was able to give and take in a lot of discussion and curriculum that has made me feel more confident moving forward as a parent. My hats off to Havan and Eric for allowing me to be a part of this culturally respected group. I would highly recommend this group to any African American father to simply sharpen the tools in their own toolbox as fathers.
Sincerely, a well-informed, better prepared father -CH Sr.”