Our Mission

The mission of the Diversity Task Force is to achieve equity and inclusion in the child welfare system. We do so by promoting the values of cultivating, advancing, and preserving a culture of diversity and community because it makes us stronger.

The Diversity Task Force challenges individuals to recognize their implicit bias and to confront all forms of systemic racism, harassment, and discrimination.

If you are interested in joining the Diversity Task Force, please contact Cindy Gore at the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center at lcg7@pitt.edu or Cindy Milian at cmilian@countyofberks.com

“Diversity means all the ways we differ. Some of these differences we are born with and cannot change. Anything that makes us unique is part of this definition of diversity”

Dear Stakeholder,

The recent events unfolding across our Country are the latest examples that structural inequalities, racism, and injustice exist to this day. From the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, to the murder of George Floyd and countless others, we must do better and be better. As a University, a School of Social Work, and a Child Welfare Resource Center, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to speak out against the hatred, racism, and bigotry that gives space for these horrific acts. We have a responsibility to challenge policies and systems that continue to perpetuate gaps in opportunity. We are committed to being vocal advocates for change that's long overdue. We will be working to ensure racial equity and justice are centered in all of our services and products. We look forward to partnering with you as we work together to address these most fundamental of rights; liberty and justice.

Sincerely,

Helen Cahalane, Ph.D., ACSW, LCSW
Principal Investigator
Child Welfare Education and Research Programs
Chancellor's Distinguished Teacher
University of Pittsburgh
School of Social Work

Michael Byers, MSW
Director
Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center
University of Pittsburgh
School of Social Work

Please look for resources via these links at the School of Social Work's website: