Dependency Advocacy Center (DAC) Market Research Report
Company Overview
- Name: Dependency Advocacy Center (DAC)
- Mission of the Company: To preserve families and restore dignity through zealous advocacy. DAC empowers families to break cycles of system involvement and marginalization, ensuring every client has meaningful access to justice in pursuit of family well-being.
- Founded: 2008
- Key People:
- Dana Bunnett, Board Chair
- Nikolas Arnold, J.D., Board Treasurer
- Darlene Montero, Board Secretary
- Chris Berka, J.D.
- Jaime E. Lopez, M.S.W., LCSW
- Héctor Sánchez-Flores
- Kathryn Schlepphorst, J.D.
- Honorable Patrick E. Tondreau (Ret.)
- Headquarters: 31 N. Second Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113
- Number of Employees: No information is available
- Revenue: $4,617,178 for FY2023
- Known For: DAC is known for providing interdisciplinary family defense legal services to parents and children involved in Santa Clara County’s child welfare system.
Products and Services
Legal Services
- Description: DAC provides free, skilled legal representation to indigent clients involved in the juvenile dependency system.
- Key Features:
- Advocacy by an interdisciplinary team including attorneys, social workers, and mentor parents.
- Legal representation aimed at timely reunification and family preservation in a safe environment.
Interdisciplinary Team
- Description: Offers comprehensive family defense through a team of professionals.
- Key Features:
- Attorneys provide legal advocacy.
- Social Workers offer clinical expertise for holistic client support.
- Mentor Parents with lived experience in the child welfare system offer guidance and support.
Prevention Programs
Corridor Program
- Description: Supports parents at the intersection of the criminal justice and child welfare systems.
- Key Features:
- Provides structured interventions to prevent further system involvement.
- Collaborates with Santa Clara County Adult Probation for innovative service delivery.
First Call For Families
- Description: A program focused on early intervention to prevent the need for formal child welfare system involvement.
- Key Features:
- Offers support services and resource connections to at-risk families.
- Conducts Know Your Rights presentations for community education.
Recent Developments
Organizational Changes
- New CEO Selection: As of September 2, 2023, the Board of Directors announced the selection process for a new CEO following the retirement of Co-Founder and CEO AnnaLisa Chung.
Appointments
- Cynthia Chen: Appointed as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court in June 2024.
Celebrations and Events
- 15th Anniversary: DAC celebrated its 15th anniversary on October 1, 2023.
- 13th Annual Family Reunification Day: Celebrated on June 14, 2024, honoring families overcome challenges to reunify.
Board Member News
- Passing of Ann Whyte, J.D.: DAC mourned the loss of long-standing board member Ann Whyte on August 5, 2024.
Awards
- AnnaLisa Chung Award: Daniel Little, Director of Social Services Agency, received the award in October 2023 for contributions to child welfare reform.
Hiring
- Managing Attorney for Corridor Program: DAC is hiring for this innovative program to support parents intersecting with the justice and welfare system as announced on July 1, 2024.
Community Engagement
- SSA Recognition: DAC was recognized by SSA Director Daniel Little during the 15th Anniversary of DAC in October 2023.
This report highlights the key aspects of Dependency Advocacy Center's operations, services, and recent milestones, providing a comprehensive overview in line with available data.
