Highlighting the Parents and Children Excel (PACE) program

One of the many services provided by Olmsted County’s Child and Family Services department is the Parents and Children Excel (PACE) program. PACE is a diversionary response for children of color between the ages five and 12 who are reported to the child protection system for education-related issues.

“Disproportionality around student attendance and response are significant barriers to families of color,” said Dr. Vera Ndumbe, PACE Program Supervisor. “PACE is dedicated to alleviating these barriers by providing wraparound services to families.”

Social workers partner with families to help foster a positive working relationship between the family and school, as well as support and empower families to provide stability, safety, and well-being for their children, through targeted case management services and mentorship programming.

In a recent study conducted by Foster America, it was shown that diversionary programs can be an effective strategy to prevent children and families from getting into the child protection system. Results indicate that children who receive case management services from
PACE reduce their short-term reentry rates by 16% and long-term entry by 7%.

Learn more about the PACE program.