Overview

The OCFC’s ultimate goal is “Families 4 Children”, which seeks to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent family. This goal is being accomplished through the following four mission priorities: protecting children, promoting strong families; promoting child well-being; and providing timely permanency. Believes, values and guiding principles associated with the four priorities are described in the State Roundtable document Mission & Guiding Principles for Pennsylvania’s Child Dependency System.

A primary function of the OCFC is to assist and support judicial districts in the identification and implementation of best practices that promote timely permanence for dependent children. Another primary function of the OCFC is to support the Children’s Roundtable Initiative. The Children’s Roundtable Initiative is comprised of a three-tiered infrastructure that allows for effective administration and communication between Local Children’s Roundtables, Leadership Roundtables and the Pennsylvania State Roundtable.

The OCFC’s priorities are set by the Pennsylvania State Roundtable at their annual meeting in May. This overarching State Roundtable is comprised of representatives from each Leadership Roundtable and each State Roundtable Workgroup along with other leaders who have specific expertise in dependency matters.

The OCFC is part of the AOPC’s Judicial Programs Department and receives guidance and direction from the State Roundtable, chaired by Justice Max Baer, Pennsylvania Supreme Court liaison.