United Family Advocates mourns the recent passing of two visionary leaders who shaped the child welfare field. 

Paul Vincent passed away on July 25. As the head of Alabama’s child welfare division, Paul embraced reform and helped transform Alabama into a national model for family-centered practice during his tenure. He later founded the Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group, bringing thoughtful, principled consultation to systems nationwide. Paul was a bold and compassionate advocate for children and families, and his legacy lives on through the systems and lives he helped change.

Karl Dennis, who passed on June 20, is widely regarded as the “father of wraparound.” From 1975 until his retirement in 2002, Karl served as the founding Executive Director of Kaleidoscope, Inc. in Chicago, one of the pioneering agencies to deliver what became known as wraparound services. Through his practice and storytelling, Karl reminded us that true care means centering the voices and needs of families. 

We honor their lives, their legacy, and their leadership’s lasting impact on our work.