Families Uniting Families

Specialties

Families Uniting Families’ mission is to cultivate nurturing and knowledgeable families to protect and meaningfully enhance the welfare and stability of vulnerable children and their families. Our vision is to ensure that our children realize their potential while experiencing a joyful reality interlaced in a social milieu of stable, meaningful, and fulfilling relationships.

The Foster Family Program supports victims of child abuse/​neglect and their families reestablish their connection in safe ways. Project Fatherhood provides parenting support to poor, urban, culturally diverse fathers to provide them with increased opportunities to connect in a positive manner with their children while playing an increasingly meaningful role in their lives. The Student Intern Program, works with local universities to develop future social workers. The tutoring program aims to ensure that our youth progress academically, socially, and emotionally.

History

Established in 2004.

Families Uniting Families [FUF] is a 501 © 3 Federal and State tax-​exempt social services agency that has a foster family agency program (FFA) that is licensed by the State of California (#197 804 605). We were founded by James Schrage, a child welfare professional who was disappointed in the quality of services being provided in Los Angeles County and sought to do more.

The needs of children and families who enter into the foster care system continue to grow. FUF now provides tutoring, family foster care, adoption, and parenting support. We also offer opportunities for students interested in the field of social work to increase their skillset while under the guidance of professionals.

Meet the Manager

James S.

Manager

The founder & ED of Families Uniting Families. Prior to joining Families Uniting Families, James worked in an executive level position for 9 years at another foster family agency (1995 – 2004). Preceding this, he was as a Children’s Social Worker for Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (1992 – 1994). James is also a member of the Child & Family Services Review team that conducts four year reviews sanctioned by the 1994 Amendments to the Social Security Act (administered by Children’s Bureau). James participated as a CFSR federal team member for reviews of Montana (2008), Illinois (2009), & Puerto Rico (2010). James currently teaches at the School of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach (2002-​present). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from University of California, Irvine (1990) & Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Long Beach (1993)-awarded 2012 Distinguished Alumnus, excellence in Social Work CSULB.