CHILD WELFARE PROFESSIONALS becoming Human Rights Defenders
Join Us in Championing Human Rights for All.
Our Mission
Equipping Child Welfare Professionals to Champion Human Rights and Equity.
OUR VALUES, OUR WHY WE EXIST AND OUR FOUNDER'S WHY
OUR VALUES
OUR FOUNDER'S WHY
WHY WE EXIST
At Becoming Human Rights Defenders, we uphold integrity, empathy, and respect as the foundation of our commitment to justice and fairness. These values guide our approach, inform our resources, and strengthen relationships with child welfare professionals and the families they serve. We provide a structured and inclusive space where prof
At Becoming Human Rights Defenders, we uphold integrity, empathy, and respect as the foundation of our commitment to justice and fairness. These values guide our approach, inform our resources, and strengthen relationships with child welfare professionals and the families they serve. We provide a structured and inclusive space where professionals gain the knowledge and skills to engage with families more effectively, ensuring that every interaction is grounded in dignity, understanding, and accountability.
WHY WE EXIST
OUR FOUNDER'S WHY
WHY WE EXIST
African American children are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system, making up 23% of children in foster care, despite being only 14% of the U.S. child population (Children’s Bureau, 2022). This overrepresentation is rooted in historical systemic inequities, racial bias, and discriminatory policies that continue to i
African American children are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system, making up 23% of children in foster care, despite being only 14% of the U.S. child population (Children’s Bureau, 2022). This overrepresentation is rooted in historical systemic inequities, racial bias, and discriminatory policies that continue to impact families today. At Becoming Human Rights Defenders, we work to equip child welfare professionals with the tools to challenge these injustices, advocate for equity, and support family preservation.
OUR FOUNDER'S WHY
OUR FOUNDER'S WHY
OUR FOUNDER'S WHY
Our founder, Dr. Beatris Ortiz Drace, brings 24 years of experience as a Child Welfare Professional and has firsthand knowledge of how the system can violate the human rights of the very families it is meant to serve, particularly those from marginalized communities, including her own. Acknowledging the harm she once participated in, she
Our founder, Dr. Beatris Ortiz Drace, brings 24 years of experience as a Child Welfare Professional and has firsthand knowledge of how the system can violate the human rights of the very families it is meant to serve, particularly those from marginalized communities, including her own. Acknowledging the harm she once participated in, she has committed her career to stopping these violations and supporting other child welfare professionals in transforming their practice.
Dr. Ortiz Drace conducted a study examining how training Child Welfare Professionals (CWPs) in anti racism and human rights can deepen their understanding of African American families, reduce racial bias, and prevent ongoing human rights violations. Delivered as a national training to CWPs across the United States, the study showed overwhelming support. Professionals consistently reported that applying human rights principles helps them build genuine partnerships with families and strengthens outcomes, especially for African American children and families.
This research is the foundation of our mission: to equip CWPs with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to advance equity, uphold human rights, and drive meaningful systemic change.