Using the Strengthening Families Approach and Protective Factors Framework to Optimize Family Supports and Engagement in Sonoma County Sonoma County Human Services Department Office of the Director - Planning, Research, Evaluation, and Engagement Unit October 28, 2015
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Using the Strengthening Families Approach and Protective Factors Framework
to Optimize Family Supports and Engagement in Sonoma County
Sonoma County Human Services Department
Office of the Director - Planning, Research, Evaluation, and Engagement Unit
October 28, 2015
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 2
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this report is to examine the literature related to the Center for
the Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families Approach and the Protective Factors
Framework, and to review best practices and resources aligned with this initiative in
order to increase family and children’s health and well-being. Strengthening Families
supports a common framework across multiple sectors for a national, state, regional,
and local response to enhance family supports through an assets-based approach. The
Strengthening Families Approach and the Protective Factors Framework is a viable
family engagement model that is currently being implemented in Sonoma County,
California. The intention of this report is to offer recommendations to inspire a
community-wide Strengthening Families effort across programs to increase family
resiliency, build parent leadership opportunities, and promote wrap-around supports.
Sonoma County is a part of a collective movement to ensure that all families and
children lead healthy and prosperous lives, and the Strengthening Families Approach
and Protective Factors Framework can guide the work to achieve this vision.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 3
Background of the Strengthening Families Approach & the Protective Factors Framework..........................................................................................6 Research Informing Strengthening Families.......................................8
Conceptualizing the Strengthening Families Approach & the Protective Factors Framework.........................................................................................10 Foundational Ideas of Strengthening Families...................................10
Social Ecology Theory..........................................................................11
Appendix F: Social Ecology and the Protective and Risk Factors…………....……40
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 4
Appendix G: Core Meanings of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors……………………………………………..............................................................41 Appendix H: Youth Thrive Theory of Change......................………………...........43
Appendix I: ACYF Factors by Level of Influence and Population Served........44
Appendix J: The Strengthening Families Approach: Applying the Protective Factors Resource List …………………………………………………………..…...45
Appendix K: Principles of Family Support Practice………………………………..…….46
Families West Virginia, n.d.; University of Dayton, 2013). The most popular strategy for family
engagement utilizing this approach is parent/family and community cafes.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 19
Parent and Community Cafés. Parent1 and community cafés, adapted from the
World Café model, use a guided conversation structure in an intimate setting as a method for
supporting parents in understanding and building their own protective factors (CSSP, n.d.k; Be
Strong Families, n.d.; DHHSACF, 2015). The cafés are also designed to develop and promote
parent leadership and relationships (CSSP, n.d.k). In 2007, Be Strong Families/Strengthening
Families Illinois originated the parent café concept. They offer trainings, toolkits, posters,
evaluation tools, and workbooks to help communities in more than 13 states integrate the
model to fidelity. Additionally, checklists with indicators outlining the core elements of cafes to
ensure quality and impact are offered (Be Strong Families, n.d.; CSSP, n.d.l; DHHSACF, 2015).
The Parent Café model has proven positive impacts on family well-being in the five protective
factors (Be Strong Families, n.d.; Shenk & Seaters, n.d.). Community cafés were developed in
Washington by parent volunteers to address community needs and concerns using the
Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework as a foundation (CSSP, n.d.l; Community
Café, n.d.). Community café has online resources including an orientation kit in English and
Spanish. Nationwide, cafés are being implemented to increase family engagement in
community centers, schools, early childhood education programs, and other settings where
parents and caregivers convene (DHHSACF, 2015).
Conclusion
One method of achieving optimal health and well-being for all families and children is
through the actualization of the Strengthening Families Approach and the Protective Factors
1
Although parent café is the most widely used term for this strategy, some organizations use “family café” instead
with the thought that it is more inclusive.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 20
Framework. It has been proven that there are many benefits of integrating an asset-based,
social ecology model to increase family resiliency, engagement, and supports. Further research
and resources needed include: evaluating the impact of risk and protective factors relevant to
the contextual environment families live in; examining the protective factors through a
multicultural lens to determine the relevancy and meaning of each factor by population; and
focusing on resources and tools that are developed to support healthy families reflecting the
cultural diversity found in today’s society. Additionally, promotion of proven best practice
strategies for authentically engaging parents in supportive leadership development roles, in
addition to the Parent Café model, is needed. These areas of study will help further the impact
of Strengthening Families to reach the vision of the initiative. Collectively building upon a
common framework, that is applicable at all levels across sectors, is necessary in order to
ensure the all children and families are healthy.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 21
SONOMA COUNTY ALIGNMENT WITH STRENGTHENING FAMILIES
Introduction
The Strengthening Families Approach and the Protective Factors Framework is a family
resiliency and engagement model that is currently being implemented in Sonoma County. The
Strengthening Families effort in Sonoma County is a part of a collective movement to ensure
that all families and children lead healthy and prosperous lives. Although there are many family
engagement strategies, especially at public schools and early childhood education sites, they
are not all affiliated with Strengthening Families. The Sonoma County Human Services
Department’s Upstream Investments initiative and First 5 Sonoma County is working in
partnership with local organizations to enhance a community approach to broadly integrating
Strengthening Families into organizations serving families and children. (See Appendices L and
M for more information about Upstream Investments and First 5 Sonoma County.) As a
community, Sonoma County can strengthen systems of care for families and children through
further coordination and collaboration.
Purpose of Integrating Strengthening Families in Sonoma County
The Strengthening Families Approach focuses on mobilizing partners, communities and
families to build family strengths, promote optimal development, and reduce child abuse and
neglect. Strengthening Families creates an opportunity to use a common framework to support
and align these efforts across organizations and programs to increase family resiliency, build
parent leadership opportunities, and promote wrap-around supports. First 5 Sonoma County
and Upstream Investments aim to increase community-wide knowledge and application of the
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 22
Strengthening Families principles to better serve of all children and families. Specifically, First 5
Sonoma County and Upstream Investments’ interests in broadly incorporating Strengthening
Families include: listening to and addressing organizational capacity building needs of
community partners; creating an accessible data sharing culture committed to collective action;
and understanding the types and combinations of services that lead to improved outcomes for
families’ health and well-being. Simultaneously, there are a number of Sonoma County
government, business, and non-profit agencies operationalizing the Strengthening Families
Approach and the Protective Factors Framework with differing levels of integration. The
momentum and timing is right for a concerted local effort with a network of support.
Local Strengthening Families Family Engagement and Resiliency Efforts
In Sonoma County, the Strengthening Families initiative is currently applied in a variety
of disciplines, organizations, and programs. Strengthening Families is known to guide the work
of these organizations:
Early childhood education programs and non-profit organizations (Community Child
Care Council – 4Cs, Community Action Partnership, Early Learning Institute)
Parent and child education and support programs (Child Parent Institute, North Bay
Regional Center, Community Action Partnership, various elementary schools and family
resource centers, La Luz, Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce)
Maternal Child Adolescent Health Field Nursing program (Sonoma County Department
of Health Services – Public Health)
Professional development opportunities (Sonoma County Office of Education, Child Care
Planning Council, Upstream Investments, First 5 Sonoma County)
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 23
Health care (community health clinics, Sonoma County Department of Health Services –
Behavioral Health, Kaiser Permanente, Drug Abuse Alternatives Center)
Child welfare programs and interventions (Sonoma County Human Services Department
– Family, Youth, & Children’s Services)
Some organizations have deeply engrained Strengthening Families philosophies and
practices, while others are using a single strategy in their practice related to the framework.
Child Parent Institute (CPI) adopted the Strengthening Families Approach and the Protective
Factors Framework at its inception to support their mission to “end child abuse and strengthen
the health of children, parents, and families” (G. Harris, personal communication, October 5,
2015). Their communications, planning, reporting, professional development, evaluations, and
programmatic services all reflect Strengthening Families (G. Harris, personal communication,
October 5, 2015). (See Appendix N for an excerpt from the CPI annual report highlighting their
programs and accomplishments through the lens of the protective factors.) CPI is a
Strengthening Families champion for the community. Another organization that embraces the
Strengthening Families as a lens to inform their work is Community Child Care Council (4Cs),
whose mission aligns with the goals of the initiative (L. Siebler, personal communication,
October 2, 2015). Over the last five years, 4Cs staff attended and facilitated Strengthening
Families and Protective Factor trainings, including train the trainer seminars (L. Siebler, personal
communication, October 15, 2015). Additionally, they use the protective factors for
departmental strategic program planning and administer the Protective Factors Survey.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 24
To monitor the impact of Strengthening Families efforts in building family resiliency in
Sonoma County, First 5 encourages the use of the Protective Factors Survey (PFS) by agencies.
Currently, over 40 states are using the PFS with participants in home visiting, parent education,
child maltreatment prevention, and family support programs. Locally, Family, Youth and
Children’s Services programs, the Home Visiting Collaborative, Triple P providers, and several
First 5 grantee programs have been early adopters of the tool. First 5 developed a training
video to support use of the tool. The first community-wide results from the use of the survey
will be shared early in 2016.
Another noteworthy group using the Strengthening Families and Protective Factors
Framework is the Sonoma Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) collective impact initiative
led by Sonoma County Human Services Department’s Family, Youth, & Children’s Services
Division. CAPS designed a robust evaluation of their interventions including a logic model with
the protective factors as intermediate outcomes; they use the Protective Factors Survey as a
measurement tool (R. de Melo, personal communication, October 5, 2015). (See Appendix O
for the CAPS logic model.) There is a great deal of potential to engage other partners in utilizing
the Strengthening Families and Protective Factors Framework to realize the common goal of
improving family resiliency and engagement.
Recommendations for Collaboration and Alignment
Sonoma County is known for its highly collaborative partnerships and coordinated
planning efforts to make a difference in the lives of families and children. CSSP identifies the
“three levers for change” for Strengthening Families implementation as parent partnerships,
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 25
professional development, and policies and systems at the local and organizational levels (CSSP,
n.d.i; CSSP, n.d.j). Recommendations for a locally coordinated Strengthening Families Approach
using the Protective Factors Framework with consideration of the “three levers for change”
include:
Recommendation: Assess all of the current family engagement programs and parent
groups by organization to gain a complete, countywide picture of the opportunities for
alignment by system and by protective factor. A community scan could capture
programs not overtly utilizing Strengthening Families (Padres Unidos, Abriendo Puertas,
Parent University, school-based parent groups, etc.). One option to further develop
relationships with the assessment could entail an asset mapping component. Create a
resource inventory of family engagement programs (by geographic area, organization,
protective factor), and a GIS map of the identified assets. Train and compensate parent
groups to lead this community-based project, and identify specific needs for policy
changes and additional resource allocations based on the findings. Mapping by priority
areas highlighted in the Portrait of Sonoma County or Supervisorial District may guide
policy change. (See Appendix P for more information about the Portrait of Sonoma
County.)
Recommendation: Identify and connect with key partners that are not currently utilizing
the Strengthening Families Approach and Protective Factors Framework. Determine
their interests and needs in incorporating the framework into their agencies’ policies
and practices. This can be done through informational interviews or surveys. Gage the
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 26
level of involvement expressed and then choose a course of action with consideration of
other initiatives to optimize collaboration and leverage resources.
Recommendation: Build upon existing efforts, like the ACES Connection group, to avoid
adding another initiative to support Sonoma County’s family and child strengthening
efforts. At the same time, distinguish the goals and objectives of integrating the
Strengthening Families and Protective Factors.
Recommendation: Provide ongoing professional development opportunities around the
Strengthening Families Approach and the Protective Factors that reach a broad
audience across systems. The 2015 “Strengthening Families: Community Training Needs
Survey,” distributed by First 5 Sonoma County and Upstream Investments, surveyed 41
different organizations. Based on the results, develop a one day “train-the-trainer”
Strengthening Families and Protective Factors curriculum and professional development
opportunity. Include parent participation in the planning and implementation of the
trainings in addition to being attendees. Develop a cohort of local Strengthening
Families trainers to provide a sustainable infrastructure for this work in Sonoma County,
and serve other regions as a model. This fall, La Luz is offering a 12-hour Strengthening
Families Protective Factor training for organizations in Sonoma Valley with 6 follow-up
sessions to specifically address the implementation needs of the participatory
organizations (personal communication, V. Vences, October 14, 2015).
Recommendation: Organize a Sonoma County contingent to participate in the quarterly
California Strengthening Families Roundtable hosted by Strategies, or national
Strengthening Families conferences.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 27
Recommendation: Create and invest in new, innovative parent leadership and
engagement practices in addition to expanding the Parent Café family engagement
strategy. For example, the Children’s Network of Solano County has adopted the
“Parent Leadership Training Institute” based off of the National Parent Leadership
Institute’s model. This program “enables parents to become leading advocates for
children. Parents' opinions are often unheard. The PLTI teaches parents, who wish to
improve the lifelong health, safety and learning of children, how to become practiced
change agents for the next generation” (Children’s Network, 2012). First 5 Solano is
now funding two cohorts of parents, one in English and one in Spanish, to implement
the Parent Leadership Institute (V. Jones Boyd, personal communication, October 21,
2015).
Recommendation: Develop a communications plan that clearly articulates tangible
examples of how Strengthening Families can be practically engrained into organizational
culture, policies, and practices across systems. This will require messaging for diverse
audiences.
Recommendation: Develop an evaluation plan to create a shared measurement system
examining the effectiveness of Strengthening Families efforts at all levels. CSSP provides
tools that support this recommendation, including the Protective Factors Survey (PFS).
(See Appendix Q for an overview of the Protective Factors Survey.) Since First 5 Sonoma
County requires grantees to use the PFS, they have offered a number of supports to aid
the community in administering and using the data. (See Appendix R for information
about the PFS training video.) Offer organizations quarterly reports with the PFS results,
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 28
and discuss areas of strength and opportunities for growth in program practices and
policies. Upstream Investments can help build organizational capacity in this area by
creating an accessible, community-driven process of sharing data in a safe environment.
Recommendation: Seek alternative funding to sustain Strengthening Families work in
Sonoma County, especially for direct services supporting family engagement programs
and parental participation in unsalaried leadership roles.
Conclusion
Strengthening Families provides organizations an evidence-informed approach to
collectively increase family and children’s health and well-being Sonoma County. As a
community network, the Strengthening Families and Protective Factors Framework can create a
local web of support for families and children, and ensure organizations are using data to
inform their practice. Prioritizing and applying recommendations for the implementation of
Strengthening Families and the Protective Factors will require organizational leadership and
voice from the community of providers, advocates, and parents. Across sectors, agencies can
align their efforts to create a significant community impact with the ultimate goal of building
resilient, prosperous, safe, and healthy families throughout Sonoma County.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 29
APPENDICES
Appendix A.
Early Childhood Education Strategies Related to the Protective Factors
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 30
Appendix B.
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES GLOSSARY
Key Terms: Definitions:
Assessment The systematic collection, review, and use of information about programs undertaken for the purpose of improving program outcomes and development (University of Connecticut, n.d.).
Capacity Building “The process of improving an organization’s ability to achieve its mission. It includes increasing skills and knowledge; increasing the ability to plan and implement programs, practices, and policies; increasing the quality, quantity, or cost-effectiveness of programs, practices, and policies; and increasing sustainability of infrastructure or systems that support programs, practices, and policies” (United States Department of Health and Human Services & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).
Collective Impact “The commitment of a group of actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a complex social problem” (Foundation Strategy Group, 2013).
Community “Individuals in the defined geographic scope who are directly affected by the quality of [systems, programs, and services] (e.g. students, parents, business and civic leaders), and therefore must be clearly understood, actively involved, and eventually satisfied by the impact of the partnership[s]” (Strive, 2013a). “A comprehensive network of individual relationships that express common interests and act to meet the general needs of the locality” (Brennan, 2008).
Concrete Supports in Times of Need
“Identifying, seeking, accessing, advocating for, and receiving needed adult, child, and family services; receiving a quality of service designed to preserve parents’ dignity and promote healthy development” (Browne, 2014, p.5). “Financial security to cover day-to-day expenses and unexpected costs that come up from time to time---access to formal and informal supports” (Strategies, 2015).
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 31
Culture “Beliefs, values, behaviors, customs, language, rituals, and practices characteristic of a particular group of people that provides them with patterns for living and interpreting reality” (Browne, 2014, p.7). “The vast structure of behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, habits, beliefs, customs, language, rituals, ceremonies, and practices peculiar to a particular group of people which provides them with a general design for living and patterns for interpreting reality” (Nobles, 1990, p.5).
Cultural Competence “Understanding and respecting culturally based values, beliefs, and behaviors” (Browne, 2014, p.7). “A set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals and enables that system, agency, or those professionals to work effectively in cross-cultural situations” (Cross, Bazron, Dennis, & Isaacs, 1989). “Operationally defined, cultural competence is the integration and transformation of knowledge about individuals and groups of people into specific standards, policies, practices, and attitudes used in appropriate cultural settings to increase the quality of services; thereby producing better outcomes” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004). “Cultural competence is defined as a set of values, behaviors, attitudes, and practices within a system, organization, program or among individuals and which enables them to work effectively cross culturally. Further, it refers to the ability to honor and respect the beliefs, language, interpersonal styles and behaviors of individuals and families receiving services, as well as staff who are providing such services. Striving to achieve cultural competence is a dynamic, ongoing, developmental process that requires a long-term commitment” (Denboba, 1993). “One that acknowledges and incorporates—at all levels—the importance of culture, assessment of cross-cultural relations, vigilance toward the dynamics that result from cultural differences, expansion of cultural knowledge, and adaption of services to meet culturally unique needs” (Betancourt, Green, Carrillo, and Ananeh-Firempong, 2003).
Evaluation “Evaluations assess performance, measure impacts, and document
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 32
successes. With evaluation information, organizations are able to direct limited resources to where they are most needed and most effective for their clients and communities. An evaluation should suggest positive outcomes and reflect the design of the program being submitted. A credible evaluation will result in a report that includes the purpose, audience, questions to be answered, literature review, methods, analysis, and recommendations” (Upstream Investments, personal communication, October 22, 2015).
Evidence-Based Practice/Program
“...the integration of the best research evidence with clinical expertise in the context of patient values, characteristics, culture, and preferences” (Howard, 2012; American Psychological Association, 2005; Institute of Medicine, 2001). “A decision making process that integrates the best available research evidence with family and professional wisdom to choose a course of action” (National Alliance of Children’s Trust & Prevention Funds, 2009).
Evidence-Informed “Programs or approaches that are clearly linked to research, but not proven by rigorous research using an experimental design. Evidence- informed programs are often guided by established theory, qualitative studies and findings from basic research” (Upstream Investments, personal communication, October 22, 2015).
Family Strengths “The set of relationships and processes that support and protect families and family members, especially during times of adversity and change. Family strengths help to maintain family cohesion while also supporting the development and well-being of individual family members” (Moore, Chalk, Scarpa, & Vandivere, 2002, p.1).
Framework
“A basic conceptual structure (as of ideas); a set of ideas or facts that provide support for something; a supporting structure; a structural frame” (“Framework,” n.d.a). “A set of principles, ideas, etc. that you use when you are forming your decisions and judgments” (“Framework,” n.d.b). “Broad overview, outline, or skeleton of interlinked items which supports a particular approach to a specific objective, and serves as a guide that can be modified as required by adding or deleting items” (“Framework,” n.d.c).
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 33
Indicator
“A gauge to measure progress towards long-term community-wide outcomes. An indicator may describe current performance, illustrate trends over time and/or identify disparities” (Upstream Investments, personal communication, October 22, 2015).
Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
“Understanding the unique aspects of child development; implementing developmentally and contextually appropriate best parenting practices” (Browne, 2014, p.5). “Accurate information about raising young children and appropriate expectations for their behavior” (Strategies, 2015).
Nurturing and Attachment
“The relationship that develops as a result of a caregiver’s sensitive attention to a child and the child’s responses to the caregiver” (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2014).
Parent “…an adult or adolescent who has responsibility for rearing a child, including the biological parents, grandparents, other relatives, or non-biological caregivers” (Browne, 2014, p.6).
Parent/Family Engagement
“...an overarching principle and approach for involving families in decisions about themselves, their children, services, and their communities” (First 5 LA & CSSP, 2010). “Parents are effectively engaged when they act as their child’s first and most important teacher and primary advocate throughout their child’s development and when they add their voice to participate in a community that supports them in their parenting role” (L. Benz, personal communication, October 19, 2015).
Parental/Family Resilience
“Managing both general life and parenting stress and functioning well when faced with stressors, challenges, or adversity; the outcome is positive change and growth” (Browne, 2014, p.5). “…the process of managing stress and functioning well in a particular context when faced with adversity. Resilience is learned through exposure to challenging life events facilitated by supportive relationships and environments (e.g., people, culture, institutions, conditions, policies). The outcome of resilience is positive change and growth” (Browne, 2014, p.21). “The ability to overcome life’s challenges” (Walsh, 1998).
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 34
“The ability to cope and bounce back from all kinds of challenges” (Strategies, 2015). “The manifestation of positive adaptation despite significant life adversity. Resilience is not an attribute that can be directly measured; rather it is a process or phenomenon that is inferred from the dual coexisting conditions of adversity and relatively positive adaptation in spite of this” (Luthar, 2003).
Promotive Factors “Conditions or attributes of individuals, families, communities, or the larger society that actively enhances well-being” (CSSP, n.d.f).
Protective Factors “…attributes and conditions that help to keep all families strong and on a pathway of healthy development and well-being” (Browne, 2014, p.2). “Conditions or attributes of individuals, families, communities, or the larger society that mitigate or eliminate risk and promote healthy development and well-being” (Browne, 2014; Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2014). “Strengths that help to buffer and support families at risk” (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2014). “…conditions or attributes of individuals, families, communities, or the larger society that, when present, promote well-being and reduce the risk for negative outcomes” (Development Services Group, n.d.; Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, 2015). “…a characteristic at the biological, psychological, family, or community (including peers and culture) level that is associated with a lower likelihood of problem outcomes or that reduces the negative impact of a risk factor on problem outcomes” (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2009, p. xxvii). “…interrelated attributes or conditions that simultaneously (a) prevent or mitigate the effect of exposure to risk factors and stressful life events, and (b) build family strengths and a family environment that promotes optimal child development” (Browne, 2014, p.21).
Risk Factors “Conditions or attributes of individuals, families, communities, or the larger society that increase the probability of poor outcomes” (Browne, 2014, p.18).
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 35
“A characteristic at the biological, psychological, family, community, or cultural level that proceeds and is associated with a higher likelihood of problem outcomes” (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2009). “Risk factors refer to the stressful conditions, events, or circumstances…that increase a family’s chance of poor outcomes, including child abuse and neglect” (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2014).
Social Ecology Theory/Model
“The interplay among individual, family and relational, community, and societal factors” (Browne, 2014, p.18). “The examination of how individuals exist within and are shaped by their individual characteristics, families, other relationships, their communities, and society as a whole (Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, 2015).
Social and Emotional Competence of Children
“Providing an environment and experience that enable the child to form close and secure adult and peer relationships, and to experience, regulate, and express emotions” (Browne, 2014, p.5). “The developing capacity of the child from birth through 5 years of age to form close and secure adult and peer relationships; experience, regulate, and express e3motions in socially and culturally appropriate ways; and explore the environment and learn---all in the context of family, community, and culture” (Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations, n.d.). “A child’s ability to interact positively with others and communicate his or her emotions effectively” (Strategies, 2015).
Social Connections “Having healthy, sustained relationships with people, institutions, the community, or a force greater than oneself that promote a sense of trust, belonging, and that one matters” (Browne, 2014). “Friends, family members, neighbors, and other members of a community who provide emotional support and concrete assistance to families” (Strategies, 2015).
Social Determinants of Health
“The integrated social structures and economic systems that contribute to health disparities” (Browne, 2014, p.18).
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 36
“Key determinants of health and well-being: social and economic opportunities and resources (economic development, job opportunities, educational attainment, reducing poverty, child and youth development, civic and community engagement); living and working conditions in homes and communities (built and natural environment, healthy schools, healthy worksites, healthy homes and neighborhoods, healthy systems: food, transportation, housing); medical and social services/personal behavior (access to prevention-focused medical and social services, health literacy, healthy lifestyles)” (Sonoma County Department of Health Services, 2013).
Strengths-Based Approach
“…focuses on what is working well to support the growth of individuals and communities. It…is based on the assumption that people have existing competencies and resources for their own empowerment. It assumes that people are capable of solving problems and learning new skills; they are a part of the process rather than just being guided by a professional” (Centre for Child Well-Being, 2011, p.2). “…acknowledges that parents are experts on their family and want to do right by their child…encourages and is complementary to shared decision making where…families can problem solve…to become more efficacious in their health decision-making” (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2013, p.1).
Sustainability “...the capacity to keep an action or process going” (First 5 LA & CSSP, 2010).
Two-Generation Approach
“A strategy or approach to promote young children’s healthy development by developing the capabilities and the resources of parents or caregivers” (Browne, 2014, p.7).
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 37
Appendix C.
Center for the Study of Social Policy’s Theory of Change
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 38
Appendix D.
2014 Strengthening Families National Network States
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 39
Appendix E.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 40
Appendix F.
The Social Ecology and the Protective and Risk Factors
(Browne, 2004; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury
Prevention and Control, 2013)
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 41
Appendix G. (Continued on the next page.)
Core Meanings of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 42
Appendix G. (Continued from previous page.)
Core Meanings of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 43
Appendix H.
Youth Thrive Theory of Change
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 44
Appendix I.
ACYF Protective Factors by Level of Influence and Population Served
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 45
Appendix J.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 46
Appendix K.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 47
Appendix L.
Sonoma County’s Upstream Investments Initiative: Prioritizing Prevention and Evidence-Based Practice
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 48
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 49
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 50
Appendix M.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 51
Appendix N.
Child Parent Institute Annual Report 2014/2015 (Excerpt)
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Appendix O.
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Appendix P.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 54
Appendix Q.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 55
Appendix R.
OPTIMIZING FAMILY SUPPORTS & ENGAGEMENT USING STRENGTHENING FAMILIES 56
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2013). Strength based approach. Retrieved from: