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Project Family first

Supporting Families During Difficult Times

Project Family First is culturally specific nonprofit dedicated to reducing the disproportionate representation of Black children in the Oregon foster care system by offering support, advocacy and culturally competent resources to families. 

 If you’re currently navigating the challenges of a CPS assessment or your children are in foster care, our committed team at Project Family First is here to assist. We recognize the unique complexities that Black families  encounter during such investigations and are dedicated to providing professional and confidential support and guidance.

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Our Services

All services are confidential, non-judgmental, and focused on the best interests of your family.

Family Advocacy

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We understand that facing the foster care system can be daunting. Our organization provides personalized support, guidance and advocacy to parents and caregivers, helping them understand the intricacies of the system and access the resources needed to keep their children out of foster care or facilitate a safe return home.

Service Navigation

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We help families by connecting them to resources they need, while also preserving their cultural heritage and strengthening community bonds. Our services support foster youth and families in meeting their material needs and reconnecting with their roots.

Educational Workshops

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We strive to raise awareness about the adverse effects of the foster care system on youth, families, and communities. Implicit bias is pervasive, particularly affecting Black families living in poverty who require support for their material needs and not surveillance. Unfortunately, the child welfare system "helps" by separating families. Our advocacy also extends to transforming mandated reporters into mandated supports to create a more constructive and compassionate approach.

Equity Promotion

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We actively work to drive policy and system changes to combat the overrepresentation of Black children in the Oregon foster care system. Our advocacy efforts aim to create lasting, systemic change that benefits all children in Oregon.
Percent of Total Children Served in Foster Care, by Race, Disproportionality Index, and Federal Fiscal Year: The table displays the percentage of total children served in foster care by race, along with the Disproportionality Index (DI) for the federal fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022. Black or African American: FFY 2020: 6.2% (DI 1.7) FFY 2021: 7.1% (DI 1.9) FFY 2022: 7.4% (DI 2.0) Asian/Pacific Islander: FFY 2020: 1.5% (DI 0.3) FFY 2021: 1.5% (DI 0.3) FFY 2022: 1.7% (DI 0.3) White: FFY 2020: 65.3% (DI 1.0) FFY 2021: 65.4% (DI 1.0) FFY 2022: 63.9% (DI 1.0) Hispanic (any race): FFY 2020: 18.2% (DI 0.8) FFY 2021: 18.6% (DI 0.8) FFY 2022: 19.0% (DI 0.8) American Indian or Alaska Native: FFY 2020: 4.9% (DI 3.1) FFY 2021: 4.7% (DI 3.3) FFY 2022: 4.7% (DI 3.2) Unable to Determine: FFY 2020: 3.9% (DI n/a) FFY 2021: 2.7% (DI n/a) FFY 2022: 3.2% (DI n/a)
Percent of Total Children Served in Foster Care, by Race, Disproportionality Index, and Federal Fiscal Year
Did You Know?

In Oregon, the ratio of White children in foster care compared to Black children is an alarming 1:2. Even more concerning is that studies have revealed that once Black children enter the foster care system, they tend to remain in care for longer periods. Despite this glaring disproportion, the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare program does not yet have a targeted or customized strategy to rectify this long-standing issue.

About Us

Project Family First (PFF) is driven by a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being of Black families entangled in the child welfare system. Our founder  is a former Child Welfare Worker with a unique perspective. She has witnessed firsthand racial and class-based biases in the Oregon child welfare program. She also recognizes the glaring inadequacies in its policies, procedures, and practices and their lack of motivation to address them. She started PFF because she realized the community needed to step up and fill the void left by systemic neglect. Our children deserve better

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Theory of Change

At Project Family First, our theory of change serves as the guiding compass for our mission. By providing culturally informed resources, advocacy and support, we aim to break down the barriers perpetuating Black children’s overrepresentation in foster care and contribute to a future where every child in Oregon can thrive in a safe and equitable environment.
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Make a Difference Today

At Project Family First, we are on a mission to create a more equitable child welfare system, where every child, regardless of their race, grows up in a safe and nurturing environment. Our work is rooted in empowerment, advocacy, and community support. We believe in the power of collective action to bring about lasting change.
If you’re interested in learning more about our services, becoming a sponsor, or volunteering with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your support can make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Copyright © 2024 Project Family First. All rights reserved.

Multnomah Residents

Financially-eligible Multnomah County parents experiencing a CPS (Child Protective Services) investigation have access to free legal assistance via the Family Defense Project (FDP). FDP will empower families, protect children, and prevent foster care placement.

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Assistance in Accessing Community Resources and Services:
We provide referrals to culturally informed resources, empowering them with knowledge and the ability to access needed resources. We also believe in the importance of preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the bonds within the community. Our cultural connections services assist foster youth and families in reconnecting with their roots and heritage.
Advocacy and Equity Promotion:

We actively work to drive policy and system changes to combat the overrepresentation of Black children in the Oregon foster care system. Our advocacy efforts aim to create lasting, systemic change that benefits all children in Oregon.

Support for parents as they navigate child welfare:
We understand that facing the foster care system can be daunting. Our organization provides personalized support, guidance and advocacy to parents and caregivers, helping them understand the intricacies of the system and access the resources needed to keep their children out of foster care or facilitate a safe return home.
Educational Workshops:
These services would be designed to increase awareness of the disproportionate representation of Black children in the Oregon foster care system and provide culturally competent resources and support to families and communities.