For over 30 years Child Abuse Prevention Councils have led the way in the effort to prevent child abuse and neglect in every county in California. The Greater Bay Area Child Abuse Prevention Council Coalition represents ten counties coordinating resources, advocating for public policy, producing conferences, and sharing best practices.

Deportation Policies and Public Charge Rule Threaten Families

As advocates for children and families, we at the Greater Bay Area Child Abuse Prevention Council Coalition are deeply concerned about the harmful effects of developing immigration policies, particularly the proposed expansion of deportations and the "public charge" rule, on the well-being of children in immigrant families.

These policies exacerbate the risks to a child’s well-being in profound and far-reaching ways. Deportation policies resulting in separating parents from their children can cause significant trauma. Children who witness or experience the forced removal of a parent often develop anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues that can persist into adulthood. In cases where children are left behind, they may be thrust into the foster care system, placing additional strain on already overburdened child welfare agencies.

The public charge rule, which discourages immigrant families from accessing essential benefits such as healthcare, housing, and nutrition assistance, is equally concerning. These resources are critical for a child’s development and safety. By creating a chilling effect where families fear seeking help, this policy increases the likelihood of neglect, food insecurity, and unmet medical needs—all key risk factors for child abuse and neglect.

Studies show that nearly one in four children in the United States lives in an immigrant family. Policies that destabilize these families not only harm children but also weaken the social fabric of our communities. 

Healthy families are the cornerstone of thriving societies, and when children are denied stability and security, we all suffer the consequences.

We urge policymakers to prioritize the welfare of children when considering immigration policies. Family unity and access to basic needs must be protected to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.

Our children’s future—and the future of our nation—depends on it.

Coalition Webinars

Lo Que Necesitas Saber • What You Need to Know

Vea la grabación en Español aquí • Watch the recording in Spanish here

Capacitación gratis presentada por la Greater Bay Area Child Abuse Prevention Council Coalition (GBA), con el apoyo del Center for Innovation and Resources (CIR). • Free training offered from the Greater Bay Area Child Abuse Prevention Council Coalition in collaboration with CIR, Inc.

Perspectiva General: Este webinario brinda a padres y profesionales información crucial que necesitan para mantener a sus hijos libres del abuso sexual. En esta capacitación, los padres y profesionales aprenderán cómo preparan el terreno los abusadores sexuales, cómo establecer una comunicación abierta con los niños y se sentirán más cómodos cuando enseñan a los niños sobre barreras sanas.  

Overview: This webinar will give parents and professionals crucial information they need to help keep their kids safe from sexual abuse. At this training, parents and professionals who work with children will be able to learn about grooming tactics, understand how to establish open communication with children, and feel confident teaching children about healthy boundaries.

To view the recording in English, click here.

Watch the recording of our webinar on "Building Bridges Between Mixteco/Indigenous Families, Law Enforcement, and Child Welfare" here or by typing https://vimeo.com/984575922/51e7190669?share=copy into your browser. This webinar is part 2 in a series on working with Mixteco/indigenous families in California.

Watch Part 1 of our series on "Working with Latino/Mexican Indigenous Communities" webinar series by clicking here (https://vimeo.com/869285654?share=copy). This first webinar with Dr. Gaspar Rivera-Salgado provides an overview of Mixteco culture to help increase understanding of the diversity within these communities and learn best practices for working with families.

Past webinars

The Greater Bay Area Child Abuse Prevention Council coalition's positions on issues related to child welfare

Gender-affirming care for transgender children is not child abuse

Click here to read our letter on Texas Governor Greg Abbott's actions to classify gender-affirming care for transgender children as "child abuse."

Confronting Inequality Together

Click here to read our letter on confronting racism and racial disparities.

About the Coalition

Click here to learn more about the coalition and the areas we serve.

California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Laws

It is important for mandated reporters to keep updated on periodic amendments to the law. Visit California Legislative Information for updated information on the law and any other code section.

The Child Abuse Prevention Councils are not investigative agencies. To report child abuse, please contact the appropriate agency, or call 911: Alameda County: 510-259-1800 • Contra Costa County: 877-881-1116 • Marin County: 415-473-7153 • Monterey County: 831-755-4661 • Napa County: 707-253-4261 • San Francisco County: 415-558-2650 • San Mateo County: 650-595-7922 • Santa Clara County: 1-833-SCC-KIDS (833-722-5437) • Solano County: 800-544-8696 • Sonoma County: 707-565-4304