Jul 07 Forward with Families Initiative will Help Allegheny County Families Thrive

Jul 07h in Bold Voices by

(July 7, 2026)

As part of the Allegheny County’s Forward with Families initiative, the Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives is aiming to create 5,000 new out-of-school time and child care slots over the next five years to help support families who struggle with long waitlists, high costs, and quality of care for their children. DCI will also be leading efforts to improve data to understand gaps and to support the OST workforce.

Too many families have to make the tough decision on whether to return to work or stay home with their children. In order for businesses to thrive, they must have workers. Focusing on expanding childcare and out-of-school time programs, specifically around non-traditional hours, would be a huge win for families throughout Allegheny County.

The Forward with Families plan includes five pillars. The pillars all work together to strengthen the wellbeing, stability, and opportunities for working families. They include:

  • health and well-being
  • childcare, caregiving, and learning
  • employment and education
  • housing and food
  • savings and cash

Through our work at Allies for Children, we see the need to support children and families in many different ways. If a family is struggling with child care, they are also struggling with employment, which can lead to struggles with health, housing, and food. It is all interconnected and together we can support families, so that they can support our growing economy.

Allies for Children is excited to see the Forward with Families initiative move forward and are excited to work with DCI, Dept. of Health, Dept. of Human Services, and partners across the county to support children and families. Please join us in thanking Allegheny County for their commitment to children and families!

Jamie Baxter, Allies for Children Executive Director