CPP Transforming Families in Washington State

For years, the Chicago Parent Program (CPP) has transformed how agencies and communities approach parenting support, particularly for African American families. In Washington State, the program’s success is a testament to the dedication of its champions and facilitators at InterCultural Children and Family Services (ICCFS), whose efforts continue to resonate with families statewide.

Washington State’s journey began as an effort to eliminate the disproportionate removal and out-of-home placement rates of Black/African American children. Recognizing that traditional evidence-based programs have often failed to engage the Black community meaningfully, the state partnered with Harvard’s Government Performance Lab to identify barriers to service engagement. Based on feedback from parents, community partners, and providers, ICCFS identified CPP as a model program that could make a difference.

 Cynthia Grayson, ICCFS Executive Director, recalls how CPP became a pivotal tool for addressing racial disproportionality in the child welfare system. “We had been researching culturally appropriate parenting programs,” she explains. “CPP stood out as a model that not only addressed parenting strategies but also empowered underserved families.” Funded initially through the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families, the program’s mission was well-defined: provide preventive solutions to keep African American families out of the child welfare system. “The research is clear—you have to invest in prevention to make a lasting difference,” Grayson emphasizes.

The program’s implementation in Washington State owes much to the commitment of CPP facilitators Leslie Webb and Yaminah West. Their lived experiences as African American parents help build relationships and trust with families. Their work has profoundly changed both. Webb reflects on the joy of witnessing parents’ growth and empowerment: “They come in doubting themselves but leave feeling confident and supported. That transformation is incredible.” For West, the program has deepened her advocacy, particularly as a parent of a child with autism. “It’s expanded my passion for outreach and community support,” she shares.

Tessa Velasco, Culturally Responsive Program Manager with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, highlighted the importance of inclusive practices: “We wanted families to go into a space and feel included, not as an afterthought.” The CPP pilot was launched in partnership with Cynthia Grayson and her organization, with a vision for statewide expansion. This effort is backed by braided funding sources, including philanthropic support, federal funding, and state legislative provisions, ensuring flexibility and sustainability.

CPP’s impact extends beyond individual families—it fosters a ripple effect. Graduates of the program become its ambassadors, spreading the word and encouraging others to join. “We often have a waitlist,” West notes. “Families hear about it through word of mouth and want to be part of something transformative.”

 Thanks to sustained funding and dedicated facilitators, CPP continues flourishing in Washington State, proving its potential to create lasting change. As Grayson puts it, “CPP isn’t just a program—it’s a movement that uplifts families, one session at a time.”