Strong Famlies Safe Children: A Research-based Approach

1. Strong Famlies = Safe Children: A Research-based Approach SOAR Putting the Pieces Together Conference June 2, 2009 Joan Sharp, Council for Children & Families & Paula Steinke, Family Friend & Neighbor Program, Child Care Resources JOAN Self-introduction Recognize Robin & Nikki if they are present Introduce Paula PAULA: Who�s in the room? Why are people there? Done 2 pm JOAN Self-introduction Recognize Robin & Nikki if they are present Introduce Paula PAULA: Who�s in the room? Why are people there? Done 2 pm

2. Our purpose today To increase awareness & understanding of the Strengthening Families Washington initiative: The Protective Factor framework Using the framework when working with parents/families; family, friend & neighbor & other early learning care providers. Available tools & resources PAULAPAULA

3. Center for Study of Social Policy / Doris Duke Charitable Foundation �Strategic, feasible approach to child abuse prevention� Systematic (replicable) National Reach large numbers of very young children (systemic) Focused on prevention before CA/N occurs JOAN Emphasize that this is an approach, not a programJOAN Emphasize that this is an approach, not a program

4. Literature review What the evidence says about what really works to reduce child abuse & neglect www.strengtheningfamilies.net �Protective Factors� JOAN JOAN

5. What is a �Protective Factor�? Individual or environmental safeguards that: enhance a person�s ability to resist stressful life events, risks or hazards promote adaptation & competence. JOANJOAN

6. Why �Protective Factors�? Extensive evidence shows that: When present/robust in a family, the likelihood of CA/N diminishes. These are the factors that create healthy environments for the optimal development of all children. Recognize that all families experience �risks� Focus on existing strengths JOAN Neurons to Neighborhoods also emphasizes �environments� Aligns with what research says about the need to re-frame CA/N prevention JOAN Neurons to Neighborhoods also emphasizes �environments� Aligns with what research says about the need to re-frame CA/N prevention

7. The SF Protective Factor Framework Parent & Caregiver Resilience Social Connections Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development Concrete Support in Times of Need Social & Emotional Competence of Children HERE by 2:20 PAULA HERE by 2:20 PAULA

8. Protective Factors in Action: Parent & Caregiver Resilience Parent mental health How a parent copes with stress / seeking help when needed Creative problem solving Trusting relationships with resource providers Maintaining a positive attitude PAULA Note that �Parent� also references caregiversPAULA Note that �Parent� also references caregivers

9. Protective Factors in Action: Social Connections Healthy friendships / people who provide emotional support & concrete help Influence norms re: childrearing Isolation � major risk factor for CA/N Parents who are isolated need support in building positive friendships. PAULAPAULA

10. Protective Factors in Action: Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development Appropriate expectations for behavior Resources to resolve behavior issues Positive discipline techniques Relevant information available when needed PAULAPAULA

11. Protective Factors in Action: Concrete Support in Times of Need Minimize stress Ensure basic needs are met Connections to resources, especially: those with stigma attached, such as DV, substance abuse counseling in times of crisis. PAULA PAULA

12. Protective Factors in Action: Social & Emotional Competence of Children A child�s ability to: interact positively with others self-regulate effectively communicate emotions Affects parent-child interaction

13. The national Strengthening Families Initiative initially focused on Early Care & Education programs: Daily contact Uniquely intimate relationship A universal approach of positive encouragement & education for families An early warning & response system at the first sign of trouble HERE BY 2:30 PAULA HERE BY 2:30 PAULA

14. ECE & other programs build PFs by: Facilitating friendships & mutual support Strengthening parenting Responding to family crises Linking families to services & opportunities Valuing & supporting parents Facilitating children�s social-emotional development Observing & responding to early warning signs of child abuse or neglect PAULAPAULA

15. The SF Protective Factor Framework Parent & Caregiver Resilience Social Connections Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development Concrete Support in Times of Need Social & Emotional Competence of Children HERE BY 2:35 PAULA � Pose the question Small groups or �? 20 minutes to talk & report out HERE BY 2:35 PAULA � Pose the question Small groups or �? 20 minutes to talk & report out

16. Some of the ways programs build PFs: Creating time & space for parents to interact with each other sharing parent contact info lists making parent meetings fun social opportunities Building relationships with parents initiating conversations asking for feedback PAULA PAULA

17. Modeling effective discipline techniques & sharing knowledge of child development Taking timely action when there is a concern Offering activities that involve all those involved in the child�s life Supporting parent leadership Community Cafes Parents as advocates PAULAPAULA

18. Strengthening Families WA (SFWA): Was built to align with & support Kids Matter (the state�s Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems plan) Aims at achieving change: in systems �on the ground� HER BY 2:55 JOAN HER BY 2:55 JOAN

19. SFWA partners include: Dept. of Early Learning Dept. of Health, Kids Matter & Project LAUNCH DSHS Children�s Administration & Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction WAEYC WA State Child Care Resource & Referral Network JOAN These are all listed on the SFWA 1-pager alongJOAN These are all listed on the SFWA 1-pager along

20. Foundation for Early Learning Children�s Trust Foundation McChord Air Force Base Organizational Research Services Reach Out & Read Washington Thrive By Five United Ways of Washington Washington PAVE (Parents are Vital in Education) Others JOANJOAN

21. SFWA strategies: Engaging strategic partners & conducting strategic outreach /communications Identifying & acting on strategic opportunities to embed SF/PFs into systems serving young children (e.g., QRIS, 211, contracting) JOANJOAN

22. Promoting incorporation of SF/PF & approaches into professional development Early learning providers (e.g., ECE, licensed child care) Intermediary statewide organization staff (e.g., parent educators, Children�s Administration social workers, early learning trainers / instructors) FFN, foster care & other caregivers trainings JOANJOAN

23. Directly promoting implementation of family strengthening activities in child care & early learning settings. Parents/caregivers conducting Community Cafes related to Strengthening Families Protective Factors. JOAN Note the Community Caf� session followingJOAN Note the Community Caf� session following

24. SFWA activities Steering Committee meetings to share, coordinate, plan, evaluate Linkage with national SF initiatives CSSP Strengthening Families National Network National Alliance of Children's Trust Fund Early Childhood Initiative Outreach, training, resource development JOANJOAN

25. Pilot sites (Spring 2006 - Fall 2008) How it works in Washington in ECE settings of all types Initial self assessment using on-line guide Opportunities for sharing & learning Results available in �Small Changes, Big Results� report at www.strengtheningfamilies.wa.gov JOAN Note that the �Purple Report� is on the SFWA websiteJOAN Note that the �Purple Report� is on the SFWA website

26. For more information strengtheningfamilies.wa.gov strengtheningfamilies.net Program guide book & self-assessment tools; research; program write-ups; newsletter; handouts; power points Or contact one of the partner organizations HERE BY 3:05 JOAN HERE BY 3:05 JOAN