Initiatives
Encouraging discussion and action against child abuse through art
Messages from the Executive Director
Deanne Tilton Durfee, Doc.hc
Executive Director,
Los Angeles County
Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN)
Deanne Tilton Durfee is Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN). ICAN is one of the largest county-based child abuse councils in the Country. She also developed ICAN Associates, a private non-profit charity comprised of corporate and media representatives. This partnership promotes the development and networking of comprehensive multi-disciplinary and community-based child abuse programs.
She served as a Child Welfare Worker, a Juvenile Court Liaison Supervisor, a Supervising Children’s Services Worker, and a Regional Services Administrator before being selected to administer ICAN. In 1996, ICAN was designated the National Center on Child Fatality Review. She served from 1984-1990 as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse (NCPCA). She also served as a Commissioner on the California Attorney General’s Commission on the Enforcement of Child Abuse Laws. From June 1, 1985 to May 31, 1986, Ms. Tilton served as a Federal Commissioner on the U.S. Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography, Chairing the Committee on Child Pornography. In January, 1987 she was appointed by the Governor to the California Child Victim Witness Judicial Advisory Committee. In 1989, she was appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect.
In 1993, she was elected Chairperson of the Advisory Board. She previously served as a member of the California Children’s Justice Act Task Force and the California State Child Death Review Council. In October 2011, she became a member of the Attorney General’s National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence. She currently serves as a Commissioner on the First 5 LA Commission on Children and Families. She holds a Doctorate in Humanities, honoris causa, from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Since my last Executive Director message, the world has changed in so many ways. These changes have been within our home base and include the emergence of profound state and global challenges.
Tuesday June 6, 2023
As the school year is winding down and graduations are upon us, take a moment to reminisce about your earlier years when the whole world was ahead of you, filled with challenges, hopes and dreams.
Wednesday March 16, 2023
As we experience historic atmospheric rivers, we’re reminded of how differently the weather affects each of us. For some, it’s a refreshing and welcome relief from the drought. For others, it’s a reminder of the power of nature over our lives. Electrical outages, mudslides, roadway closures. And the disturbing impact of the cold and rain on homeless families. We’re all a little SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and we desperately want to assure all children are warm, happy, and safe.
Friday May 6, 2022
April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, brought an important focus on our county’s commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect. Key issues we have identified as critical to increasing accountability for children’s safety were recognized, as well as tangible steps for our public and private efforts to prevent harm to children.
Wednesday February 9, 2022
Spring is near, and we await a breath of new normalcy! Our ICAN team is energized to continue our efforts to prevent child abuse with you, our invaluable extended family of inter-agency partners and community advocates.
Monday August 16, 2021
As we continue to adapt to the many changes brought about by this pandemic, please take time to re-energize yourself. While it is our nature to eagerly seek what’s coming next, I hope you find yourself ready and inspired for the challenges to come.
Monday January 25, 2021
So much has happened since my last message. Today begins the first week following the Presidential Inauguration. This historical event represented different things to each American, and to the World. What I believe resonated most profoundly was the call for unity and working together to heal the great divides in our nation.
Monday November 30, 2020
This holiday season is different. We're experiencing limits on extended family gatherings, office parties, potlucks, travel, movie theatres, restaurants. We'll get through this, knowing that if we pay attention to the Public Health advisories, we could be celebrating the holidays together again next year.
Tuesday August 25, 2020
We remain concerned for the many at-risk children who do not have the vigilant eyes of teachers, doctors, and counselors. We join our partners in a common mission to improve the lives of children and families at risk - the health professionals, social workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and community providers who work so hard to ensure children’s safety.
Thursday June 18, 2020
The enemy COVID-19 continues to affect the quality of life for us all, some with inconvenience, some with stress and anxiety, and some with tragedy.
Wednesday April 29, 2020
While it is clearly challenging to do our work within these restrictions, it is more important than ever to continue our collaborative efforts to protect children and other victims from abuse and family violence.
Monday April 13, 2020
We at ICAN were "thinking" about protecting children from abuse, preventing family violence. We were focused on providing safety and support to families, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Thursday April 2, 2020
We at ICAN continue our mission, though much of our activity has moved to a virtual setting. I want to first thank our dedicated social workers, medical professionals and all first responders who continue to bravely serve our local communities. I also want to provide you with a brief update to share our latest schedule, venue and date changes for our upcoming ICAN related activities.