by Lindsey Norward, Project and Communications Manager, Office of Children and Families
The historic challenges of OCF’s first year fueled us to prioritize partnerships that connect communities to support services for families to thrive and all children to grow up safe, healthy, and prepared. The extraordinary times in our diverse city have also been met with great tenacity, teamwork, and renewed hope in reimagining a more inclusive and equitable future for all. As we enter our second year, we will use these collaborations and the lessons we’ve learned to help Philadelphia’s families and communities continue to move forward and prosper. In sharing our work, vision, and data, we invite you to travel on this ongoing journey with us.
– Cynthia F. Figueroa, Deputy Mayor
The Office of Children and Families (OCF) announced the release of its 2020 Year-In-Review, a 7-page spread reflecting on the office’s work, events, and milestones in its first year.
Additionally, you will find a link under the “Resources” section of the office’s phila.gov website.
This report reiterates and highlights the office’s ongoing commitment to supporting the livelihoods of all Philadelphia’s children, families, and adults. 2020 was a momentous year for the Office of Children and Families – not only for our staff, but for the communities we support and invest in. While responding to the uncertainty and challenges facing Philadelphia’s residents, OCF has evolved in so many ways since its formation a year ago. Throughout the report’s pages, you will see many examples of OCF’s achievements, adaptations, and progress in 2020, with an eye toward initiatives the office is pursuing in 2021.
Since its formation on January 6, 2020, the Office of Children and Families dedicates itself to prioritizing safe children & youth, supported adults & families, and strong schools & communities. The office aligns the City’s policies, resources, and services to carry out a coordinated response of these principles. OCF oversees the Department of Human Services (DHS), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and the Free Library of Philadelphia. It also administers a number of City-supported programs, including Out-of-School Time, WorkReady, Community Schools, and PHLpreK. OCF helped lead the City’s COVID-19 emergency response through food distribution, childcare, summer programming, and Access Centers.
Report Features
- 2020 Highlights & Data
- Timeline of Formation, Important Events, and Pandemic Response
- Commitment to Children, Families, Adults, and Equitable Communities
For more information about the Office of Children and Families, visit phila.gov/families.
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