Bridging Family Support: Tiffany Cosey’s Takeaways from the 2025 NCSEA Policy Forum

How thankful I am to have experienced such a moving and impactful session at NCSEA Policy Forum 2025 on Bridging Child Support with Maternal and Child Health: Advancing Equity and Wellness. Moderated by our friend and Former Commissioner Tanguler Gray, the session felt less like a panel discussion and more like a heartfelt call to action—a reminder of the profound responsibility we carry in serving families and communities.

Some reflections that resonated most:

A Personal and Transformative Perspective:

Danielle Atkinson of Mothering Justice set the tone by sharing her lived experience as a community organizer who became pregnant and saw firsthand the gaps in support systems. She spoke powerfully about the urgent need to reframe child support systems—moving away from enforcement-driven policies to engagement-centered services. “Families aren’t just numbers—they are human beings navigating loneliness, struggles, and systems that often overlook their needs.” Danielle’s challenge to create tangible ways to connect with parents was a call for us to see and support the family holistically.

Building Connection Through Fatherhood:

Kelly Little inspired the room with his vision of fatherhood, brotherhood, and partnership with motherhood. He highlighted how programs like NCP Orientations in Mecklenburg County provide workshops and orientations for non-custodial parents, helping to engage fathers in meaningful ways. He reminded us that healthy father involvement has countless benefits for children, and that by meeting people where they are—emotionally, socially, and structurally—we create opportunities for transformative connection. His words, “How we see people is how we serve people,” echoed deeply. When we approach them as partners, we foster trust, empathy, and real change.

The Power of Storytelling and Equity in Maternal Health:

Tanisha DeBose, also from Mothering Justice, spoke with urgency about the stark disparities in maternal and birth outcomes within Black and Brown communities. Her words underscored the need for policy changes and structural reforms to address these inequities. She reminded us of the transformative power of storytelling. “Sharing stories saves lives,” she said. Stories create spaces where families feel seen, heard, and valued. They are more than narratives—they are lifelines that foster connection, hope, and action. I left this session feeling inspired, humbled, and incredibly thankful for the opportunity to hear these powerful voices.

At Protech Solutions, Inc, we are committed to carrying these lessons forward, designing systems and solutions that reflect the humanity, equity, and compassion that families deserve.

To the speakers and participants who shared their insights: thank you for reminding us that our work goes far beyond technology or policy. It’s about creating a better, more equitable world for the families we serve. Let’s keep listening, learning, and transforming together.