C E N T E R F O R T H E S T U D Y O F S O C I A L P O L I C Y focusing on families in systems built for kids

Families Matter Families are overwhelmingly important. The younger the child, the more the family matters. Families: Get and manage basic needs and services Create the environment for development Serve as both buffer and bridge between children and the outside world Sustain and transmit values and traditions that give identity to children

Families are overwhelmingly important.

The younger the child, the more the family matters. Families:

Get and manage basic needs and services

Create the environment for development

Serve as both buffer and bridge between children and the outside world

Sustain and transmit values and traditions that give identity to children

What helps families do their jobs? Sense of control over choices, being valued and able to make a difference; faith that all will be well Self confidence Nurturing parenting styles, effective communication and warm interactions among family members Positive family climate Education, expertise, and skills plus connections to extended family, neighbors, co-workers and friends Internal resources Economic security, housing, health care, other necessary resources are in place Basic needs Description Dimensions

the protective factors framework Parental Resilience Social Connections Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Concrete Support in Times of Need Social and Emotional Development

Pediatric Practitioners CHCs Economic Assistance (TANF, WIC, Foodstamps) EI Child Care Centers Head Start Family Resource Center Others CBO’s Medical Home/ Access to Care Early Childhood Education/ Child Care Social & Emotional Development/ Mental Health Family Support Parenting Education EC System Needed Information, Resources, & Services Families Home Visiting Programs Subsidized Child Care

Building Protective Factors with Families Early Care & Education Domestic Violence Children’s Mental Health Home visiting programs Child Welfare Family Resource Centers Targeted special needs programs Physical Health Safety planning Education Screening Shelter Mental Health Consultation Counseling Assessment Safety Plng Substance Abuse trtmt Home visits Group activities Primary healthcare Health promotion activities Parent/ child activities Support Grps Screening and assessment Early intervention services Parent Ed. Counseling

Safety planning

Education

Screening

Shelter

Mental Health Consultation

Counseling

Assessment

Safety Plng

Substance Abuse trtmt

Home visits

Group activities

Primary healthcare

Health promotion activities

Parent/ child activities

Support Grps

Screening and assessment

Early intervention services

Parent Ed.

Counseling

many kinds of program strategies build Protective Factors: MCH, special needs, family support, parent education, mental health, substance abuse, early childhood healthy families/ optimal development parental resilience social connections knowledge of parenting and child development concrete supports social emotional development shifts in: policy resources cross-system relationships support structures to support program implementation protective factors many programs state & national systems

shifts in:

policy

resources

cross-system relationships

support structures

to support program implementation

www.strengtheningfamilies.net Kate Stepleton 773-857-3653 [email_address] Center for the Study of Social Policy 1575 Eye Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 371-1565 www.cssp.org