Equity Statement
At Arden Shore Child & Family Services, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are at the heart of our mission to rebuild children’s lives within a caring, supportive community. For over 125 years, Arden Shore has been a vital resource for families. Our commitment is to ensure that every child and family—regardless of race, ethnicity, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or economic background—can thrive and access the resources they need to succeed.
Arden Shore was initially founded to serve the needs of impoverished, malnourished children, many from immigrant families in Chicagoland at the turn of the 19th century. Starting as an open-air summer camp, Arden Shore provided healthier living conditions, nutrition, and medical care for children often subject to poor living conditions at home. This legacy of adapting to the most pressing societal needs has shaped our organization’s enduring mission. Indeed, throughout our history, Arden Shore has not chosen the population we serve so much as the prevailing needs of society have guided us.
Historically, systemic inequities have disproportionately affected communities of color, particularly Latino, Black, and Indigenous families, who face higher rates of involvement with child welfare systems due to racial and ethnic bias. Research has shown that children of color, especially Black and Indigenous children, are overrepresented in the foster care system. Arden Shore acknowledges the complex relationship between poverty, race, ability, identity, and child welfare outcomes, recognizing that poverty is often misinterpreted as neglect.
Our commitment to equity is demonstrated by our work with child welfare organizations, policymakers, and community partners to address these inequities. Arden Shore advocates for systemic reforms focused on family preservation, eliminating bias, and equitable access to supportive services. Our approach shifts the narrative from punitive interventions that often perpetuate trauma to one of prevention and holistic support, addressing root causes such as housing instability, mental health needs, disability services, and employment support.
A core element of our equity commitment is reflected in our workforce, which mirrors the diverse community we serve. Seventy-five percent of Arden Shore’s staff identify as people of color, with half being Latino and Spanish-speaking. Our team also includes individuals representing diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. This diversity enables us to build trust with the children and families we support, ensuring that our services are not only linguistically accessible but also culturally and contextually responsive. We understand that fostering relationships based on cultural understanding, respect, and shared experience is critical to creating a sense of belonging and security for all children in our care.
Arden Shore also prioritizes kinship placements and family reunification, recognizing that children thrive when they remain within their extended families and communities. By licensing kin and relative foster homes, we honor the cultural, familial, and community ties critical to a child’s identity, sense of self, and long-term well-being. This approach aligns with our belief in preserving cultural continuity, supporting gender and sexual identity development, and fostering an inclusive environment for children of all abilities.
Today, Arden Shore remains committed to serving those in greatest need, regardless of race, national origin, religion, or other factors. Our long history of responding to the needs of the most vulnerable informs our future. We will continue to adapt our focus to ensure that all children and families receive the support they need to thrive.
Our mission to build an antiracist, inclusive, and equitable child welfare system is guided by the principles of cultural humility, responsiveness, intersectionality, and an unyielding commitment to justice for all children and families. By advocating for policy changes, refining our practices, and fostering a workforce that reflects the identities and experiences of the families we serve, Arden Shore strives to reduce disparities and ensure that every family receives the care and support they deserve.
We welcome and encourage feedback on this equity statement and our practices. Please email us at info@ardenshore.com with any thoughts or suggestions as we continually strive to improve and strengthen our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Updated: October 2024