Ken Berrick stands as a pivotal figure in child and family services, renowned for his dedication to innovative and compassionate care. As the Founder and CEO Emeritus of Seneca Family of Agencies, Berrick has dedicated his career to providing “Unconditional Care” to vulnerable children and families. His journey offers valuable insights for organizations like Acacia Partners, particularly in understanding comprehensive support systems and partnership development.
Founded in 1985, Seneca Family of Agencies under Berrick’s leadership, pioneered a range of groundbreaking programs. These initiatives span from Wraparound services and Intensive Treatment Foster Care to integrating mental health support within school environments and establishing crisis intervention continuums. His innovative approach has consistently aimed to address the multifaceted needs of young people and their families, a model that resonates deeply with partnership-focused organizations like Acacia Partners.
Beyond Seneca, Mr. Berrick’s influence extends into policy and systemic change. He has served as a Governor’s Appointee on key California commissions, including the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission and the Child Welfare Council. His active involvement with California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) underscores his commitment to improving healthcare access and delivery. This systemic perspective is crucial for Acacia Partners as they navigate complex partnership landscapes. Furthermore, his two terms as President of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services and his engagement in numerous policy planning groups highlight his deep understanding of collaborative frameworks, a core principle for Acacia Partners.
Mr. Berrick’s commitment has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Advocate of the Year by California Mental Health Advocates for Children and Youth in 2014, the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in 2017, and Jefferson Awards in 2021 and 2022. He is also a published author, co-writing “Unconditional Care: Relationship-Based, Behavioral Intervention with Vulnerable Children and Families” and “Unconditional Education: Supporting Schools to Serve All Students.” These publications solidify his expertise and offer a framework for Acacia Partners to consider in their own partnership strategies and service delivery models.
In his current endeavor, Just Advocates, Mr. Berrick continues to champion individualized support for children and families while advocating for systemic improvements at all levels. His ongoing work reinforces his lifelong dedication to vulnerable populations and provides a continuing source of inspiration and practical guidance for Acacia Partners and other organizations striving to create impactful and sustainable partnerships.
