Dr. Valerie Jackson

Dr. Valerie Jackson is a prominent figure in the field of child welfare and mental health services. She holds a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and has over 25 years of experience working with children in the care of Child Protective Services.23

Professional Background

Dr. Jackson is the founder and owner of multiple organizations focused on improving the lives of at-risk children and families:

1. Monarch Family Services
2. The Adolescent Center and Mental Health Services
3. Initiatives for Healthy Communities

As the founder of Monarch Family Services, Dr. Jackson advocates for placing children with extended family members rather than in foster homes.1 This approach, known as kinship care, is based on her belief that children benefit more from family support than traditional foster care placements.

Philosophy and Approach

Dr. Jackson's work is guided by several key principles:

• Family-centered approach: She emphasizes keeping families at the center of all child welfare cases.1
• Trauma-informed care: Her experience has led her to recognize the significant trauma children can experience in the foster care system.1
• Cultural connections: She believes kinship care can help strengthen cultural connections within communities.1
• Mental health focus: Her organizations operate on a mental health and case management framework, aiming to heal past traumas and stabilize home environments.1

Programs and Initiatives

Through Initiatives for Healthy Communities, Dr. Jackson oversees programs such as L.E.A.D. Houston, which focuses on providing mental health education, treatment, and referrals.4 This organization reflects her belief in the importance of comprehensive, wraparound support for families and children in need.

Dr. Jackson's extensive experience and multifaceted approach to child welfare have established her as a respected voice in the field, advocating for innovative solutions to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.