What is the ChildNet Youth and Family Fund?

The ChildNet Youth and Family Fund (“ChildNet Fund”) is the name of our annual giving fundraising campaign launched each fall to coincide with our fiscal and academic calendars. The purpose for establishing the ChildNet Fund is to:

• Enhance the programs and services of the agency
• Sustain and maintain control over the quality of our programs
• Provide for services that are not covered specifically by government funding

For more than 37 years, ChildNet has committed itself to providing young people and their families with the tools necessary to make a fresh start. Today, Childnet provides vital support services to thousands of children and families throughout California. 

Why give to the ChildNet Fund?

Because every child and every family deserve the opportunity to succeed.
Donors can make a meaningful difference in the life of vulnerable children and families.  As a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to providing education and comprehensive social services, ChildNet Youth and Family Services is recognized for its care and treatment of abused, neglected and abandoned children, ages birth to 18.

ChildNet Youth and Family Services enjoy a longstanding tradition of volunteer support from a diverse blend of individuals, local businesses and community groups. Yet, thus far we have been unable to offset the impact of decreasing government funding available for services through our modest fundraising efforts. As a result, these revenue shortfalls have led to serious budget cuts at the Zinsmeyer Academy.

What are ChildNet’s “Continuum of Care” programs and services?

ChildNet’s “Continuum of Care” includes the following:

Special Education

ChildNet offers troubled young people, both boys and girls, the opportunity to attend a school that provides a rigorous curriculum and daily routine designed to meet special needs.  Our two schools, Zinsmeyer Academy in Long Beach and Vista Ridge Academy in Monrovia, are state-certified and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).  Students are given special attention that leads to maximum opportunities for learning.  The learning environment is designed to develop social and communication skills, problem solving, decision-making, anger management and impulse control.  Age appropriate life skills such as job search, resource budgeting and health maintenance are also available.

Foster Care

Foster Family Network was established in 1986 for the purpose of providing quality foster homes for children who are victims of parental neglect or abuse.  These children arrive with an array of medical, emotional, and behavioral problems.  The Foster Family Network’s mission is to recruit volunteer foster parents, train them to meet stringent standards of care, match them with available children needing homes, and provide clinical and financial support to the “new” family.  Foster Family Network, serving six counties in California, provides services to thousands of foster children a year; 80% are united with their families and averages of 25 children a year are adopted.

Behavioral Health

The Behavioral Health Services program (BHS) meets the mental health needs of under-served and at-risk youth and families in the greater Long Beach community.  It provides an array of community-based services including in-home individual and family therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluations and medication support.  BHS works in collaboration with the Long Beach Unified School District providing mental health services at nine Long Beach school sites.  The goal of all BHS services is to improve the child’s functioning at home, school and in social settings.

Family Support Services

As the newest program in ChildNet’s “Continuum of Care” Family Support Services is designed to help children and adolescents with serious emotional and behavioral problems successfully live with their families and communities.  A variety of crises may affect the family in ways that place children at risk of removal from their home and sent to psychiatric hospitals, juvenile detention camps, foster homes or group homes.  ChildNet’s goal is to reach these at-risk children and their families with a preventative model that provides and array of services promoting family strength, cohesion, and preventing the need for breaking up the family.  Family members participate in developing plans and goals, and all services are tailored to the unique needs of families.  Issues may include meeting needs such as housing or medical care, parenting skills training, child care, medication support, and individual, family or group therapy. 

How can I support ChildNet?

Support the ChildNet Youth and Family Fund today by making a contribution of unrestricted cash or appreciated securities. Gifts or pledges may also be designated in areas of your choosing to include necessities from among our comprehensive programs in Special Education and our Family Support Services:

• Textbooks
• Transportation
• Scholarships / Student Assistance
• Equipment / Supplies / Technology
• Family Support Services
• Professional Development

We are dedicated to assisting donors and those who are considering making a charitable donation.  We offer our donors:

• Guidance or referrals on tax smart charitable giving from gift planning officers
• Tours of our facilities
• News of achievements, funding support, and information about our programs

Who are we asking for support?

We seek support from individuals, businesses (small and large) and grant-making organizations throughout the State of California, with special emphasis on special expanding participation in our Golden Circle and the Corporate and Community Partners recognition programs.

What is the Golden Circle?

The ChildNet Golden Circle is our exclusive category of donors who make annual contributions of $1,000 or more. There are four levels of Golden Circle donor: Founder ($10,000 and more), Benefactor ($5,000-$9,999), Mentor ($2,500 - $4,999) and Leader ($1,000 - $2499).

Are there special benefits for joining the Golden Circle?

In addition to special recognition in select ChildNet publications and at major ChildNet events, this year Golden Circle donors (and their guests) will receive exclusive invitations events and seminars planned especially for them.  Among the benefits will be the opportunity to participate in a new breakfast-hour seminar series called Discover ChildNet. Held quarterly throughout the year, Discover ChildNet will offer timely lectures of interest ranging from developments in behavioral health and foster care to estate planning and the new federal and state tax laws.

What is the Corporate and Community Partners Program?

ChildNet Foundation seeks to enlist volunteer members to its newly created Corporate and Community Partners Program.  The program’s purpose is to advance the ChildNet mission to provide special education to vulnerable children and families by dedicating its volunteer efforts in ways that will support ChildNet’s Special Education programs.

Through the ChildNet Partners Program, we seek to:

• Secure financial backing for ChildNet’s Special Education programs through event sponsorships, grants and other philanthropic opportunities.
• Enlist corporate and community leaders to serve on one of our Corporate and Community Advisory Panels, acting as liaisons in furtherance of the ChildNet mission and helping us to expand our visibility in the corporate and philanthropic communities.
• Provide opportunities for Partners to make a difference in the lives of troubled and at-risk youth and their families served by ChildNet.

Are contributions to the ChildNet Fund tax-deductible?

Yes, donations to the ChildNet Youth and Family Fund are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.