The Family and Children’s Trust Committee (FACT), was established in 1985 by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to make funding recommendations on the allocation of specific funds for the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect and supportive services for families and children. Funding for FACT supported projects derived from federal and state program legislation, and donations to the County’s Family and Children’s Trust Fund.

Every two years, the members of the FACT Committee establish a series of county priorities for the use of these funds through review of existing data and reports and by holding Public Hearings in various areas of the county. The Committee then develops a competitive bidding process to select non-profit, community-based agencies that can best provide the services determined to be most important. Program recommendations are made to the Board of Supervisors which makes the final funding decisions. The Committee continues to evaluate these funded programs to ensure continued provision of quality service and achievement of stated goals.

Programs currently being supported include countywide parenting classes, therapeutic day care for emotionally disturbed children, treatment for families, young children and teens with both substance abuse and child abuse issues, services for homeless families, and projects to support children whose mothers have been victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Members of the FACT Committee include citizens with expertise in children’s issues, education, law, non-profit agency management, public health, and program research/evaluation. Committee meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 9:00 AM in central Martinez.

For more information about the Family and Children’s Trust Committee, or to make donations to the tax-exempt Trust Fund, contact the FACT staff at (925) 313-1614.