State News Release

Council for Children & Families

Date: September 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Jamieson, Communications Director, (206) 389-2412, chris@ccf.wa.gov


Council for Children and Families gets new website, new identity
After 26 years, a new name for Washington State agency

SEATTLE -- The Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the first state agency in the nation solely dedicated to the prevention of child maltreatment, has changed its name to Council for Children & Families.  Along with the name change, a new brand identity and web presence is currently in development.

Operating from the premise that child abuse and neglect are preventable, the Council for Children & Families determined that rebranding the agency following a name change in the 2008 legislative session offered a unique opportunity to increase public understanding and engagement and reduce unnecessary stigma around help-seeking behaviors in parents.

"After 26 years, we have a new identity which we think accomplishes two important goals: It builds on our history as an early leader in the field of family support and optimal child development, and reflects our evolving understanding of how better to frame our work to bring new partners and communities along in support of our mission", said Joan Sharp, Executive Director.

A new website will support the agency's brand identity. The transitional site currently in place will continue to evolve as new online resources are developed.  Plans for the website include features such as interactive program mapping, enhanced grant resources and social media options that allow visitors to share content on networking and news sites such as Facebook, Digg and Newsvine.

"The last 25 years have brought amazing changes to our state and to society in general. We knew that making some strategic changes of our own could help position us to better meet the growing needs of parents and families.  The welcoming new name, look and 'feel' we think also much better reflects the fresh approach to prevention that is driving us here and in the field nationally," says Communications Director, Chris Jamieson. 

The Council for Children & Families hired Pyramid Communications, a full-service public affairs firm dedicated to socially responsible causes, to design and implement the new brand and website.

About the Council for Children & Families (CCF)

The Council for Children & Families is the only statewide governmental organization focused exclusively on the prevention of child abuse and neglect.  Established in 1982, CCF works with various partners to support community-based programs that help strengthen families and promote safe, loving and healthy environments.  More information: www.ccf.wa.gov