A Work of Faith Ministries, Inc. 

Disproportionality is the over-representation of a particular race or cultural group in a program or system. This phenomena has been documented for decades, nationwide, in different programs, such as special education services, juvenile justice, and the criminal justice system. African Americans are represented in these systems at higher rates than their percentage of the general population, both statewide and in the DCFS Region that serves Chicago’s North and Northwest Side communities. The research in Illinois shows that large disparities exist at the point of maltreatment reporting. Research in Illinois also shows that African American children are less likely and that this disparity is greatest in Cook County. 
 
The Chicago Northside Families Safety Net (CNFSN) is a group of individuals and community-based organizations dedicated to harnessing the resources of private and public sector organizations operating in the Chicago Northside area. Our members provide effective, hands-on social services to families residing within the northern portion of the City of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The Safety Net strives to keep children with their families in a safe environment.
 
Our coalition of community organizations and individuals pursues the goal of keeping families together during these difficult times. The Safety net seeks to connect individuals in distress with the appropriate neighborhood services for resolving the challenges they face on a sustainable basis.
 
CNFSN would like to offer you the opportunity to become a community partner with this prevention program and send a liaison who will represent your organization and support the CNFSN’s efforts. Our partners are also encouraged to host one of our monthly sessions and/or parent meetings at your facility. Contribute to a unique effort dedicated to making your community stronger and better connected to its resources through leaders like yourself. 
 
Disproportionality is complex and negatively impacts a number of social systems. Therefore, DCFS seeks to partner with other human service agencies and community institutions to help make a difference in Chicago’s North and Northwest Side communities. DCFS plays an important role because it addresses the entire family unit and it has the potential to reduce future deleterious outcomes for African Americans. DCFS believes that by working with local, regional and state agencies and institutions, barriers to equal access to community services can be reduced. 
 
Creating supportive community partnerships is a major component of our program. We hope you would accept this opportunity to serve your community by partnering with us in this effort to support families in your community.