ACH Profile: Child Safety Forward Sacramento
Sacramento County, the hub of California's legislative, executive, and judicial systems, is a diverse mix of rural, urban and suburban communities. With the spotlight on the capitol rotunda, these distinct neighborhoods are often overlooked and ride on the ups and downs of the state budget. Many families — and the local economy — depend on civil service income.
“There can be years of great stability, followed by tough times that can lead to serious challenges at home, especially for the region’s children,” said Chief Program Officer Stephanie Biegler of the Child Abuse Prevention Center (CAPC), the backbone organization supporting Child Safety Forward Sacramento, an Accountable Community for Health (ACH). “Children and families deserve to thrive, regardless of the state budget's health."
The ACH aims to eliminate child abuse and neglect deaths and critical injuries in Sacramento County by 2030 by integrating all county systems into a single holistic, multidisciplinary child and family well-being system.
"Collaboration is in our DNA," said Biegler. “We know that preventing child abuse requires all sectors at the table — government, healthcare, nonprofits and residents themselves — working together to formulate lasting solutions built on a foundation of trust, communication and a clear connection to resident voices."
In 1977, California required every county to establish a child abuse prevention council. CAPC has led Sacramento’s council since 1986. In 2019, the group received a federal grant through Child Safety Forward, a Department of Justice demonstration initiative aligned with CAPC’s vision. Then, in 2023, the council joined CACHI’s third ACH cohort, helping to fuel collaboration.
“Now, the funding, players and vision are aligned, driving more innovative and effective collaborative efforts,” Biegler continued. “With 29 agency decisionmakers on the prevention cabinet — alongside five community representatives — true progress can be envisioned, planned and implemented, with accountability measures built-in.”
The cabinet ensures meaningful participation by pairing community representatives with executive partners and offering fair stipends for their contributions, enabling them to take an active role in marketing and outreach efforts. Action groups and listening sessions bring residents into the conversation. Community input is regularly implemented, providing them with evidence of the fruits of their labor.
“We don’t take anyone for granted,” Biegler said. “We never say no to a meeting, and we always listen, whether you’re the Governor or a mom, dad, foster child or teen parent. It’s a level playing field.”
The Prevention Cabinet’s early successes include the creation of the Sacramento County Community Opportunity Map, a data tool to identify high-need areas, guide community planning and measure impact. Heatmaps of poverty, equity issues and other data illuminate current conditions and help leaders set benchmarks for change for each of the ACH’s four key strategy areas: Community, Parent and Youth Voice; Racial Equity; Trauma-Informed Systems and Practices; and Building a System of Care.
“We truly value data, honest feedback, and continuous improvement,” Biegler adds. “That’s why we partner with a neutral, external evaluator — to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased view of our progress. We want the community to feel empowered to share their authentic experiences. With time and sustained effort, we are confident we will achieve our 2030 goal.”
To learn more, visit thecapcenter.org/what/child-safety-forward.