The Strengthening Families Approach Applying the Protective Factors Framework

Agenda I.Welcome II.Overview of Framework III.Practical Strategies IV.Parent Café Simulation V.Local Stories VI. Tools & Resources VII.Wrap-up & Feedback

Strengthening Families: A local context Alfredo Perez, First 5 Sonoma County

Supports the Strengthening Families Approach Linkage to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Building resiliency of a whole family Unifying framework across agencies and programs Protective Factors Survey across programs Partnering with Upstream Investments to engage community

Local Context

What we all know: Families gain what they need to be successful when protective factors are robust in their lives and communities. “Focus on what’s strong, not what’s wrong”

Foundational Concepts Strengthening Families Approach 1.Building protective factors, not just reducing risk 2.An approach, not a model, program or curriculum 3.Authentic partnerships with parents 4.Aligning practice with developmental science

Protective Factors Framework Protective Factors: Conditions/attributes of individuals, families, community that mitigate risk Act as buffers, helping parents find resources, support, and coping strategies Better predictors of outcomes than risk factors Protective Factors Risk Factors

Protective Factors Framework Five Protective Factors Parental resilience Ability to cope and bounce back from all kinds of challenges Social connections Friends, family members, neighbors and others who provide emotional support and assistance to parents Knowledge of parenting and child development Accurate info about raising young children, appropriate expectations for behavior Concrete support in times of need Access to support and services that address family needs and help minimize stress Social-emotional competence of children Child’s ability to interact positively with others and communication their emotions positively

Applying the Framework Parental Resilience Hope, optimism, self confidence Problem solving skills Self care and willingness to ask for help Coping strategies Not allowing stress to interfere with nurturing Positive attitude about parenting and child

Applying the Framework Parental Resilience Everyday Actions Honor each family’s race, language, culture, history and approach to parenting Show parents they are valued & that help is availableTeach and encourage to use healthy coping skills Support parents as decision-makers and help build decision-making and leadership skills Help parents understand how to buffer their child during stressful times

Applying the Framework Social Connections Multiple friendships & supportive relationships Skills for establishing and maintaining connections Feeling respected and appreciated Accepting help from others, and giving help to others

Applying the Framework Social Connections Everyday Actions Reach out to isolated parentsCreate an environment for parents to “hang out”Blend social and parent education activities Promote engagement in the community and participation in community activities Organize structured activities that bring parents together, including dads

Applying the Framework Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development Appropriate developmental expectations Ability to create a developmentally supportive environment for child Positive discipline techniques; ability to manage child behavior Recognizing and responding to child’s specific needs

Applying the Framework Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development Everyday Actions Model developmentally appropriate interactions with children Provide education, information and resources on parenting and child development, especially “just in time”. Encourage parents to observe, ask questions, explore parenting issues and try out new strategies Blend parent education with social events and promote social connections for parenting support.

Applying the Framework Concrete Support in Times of Need Knowing what services are available and how to access them Adequate financial security; basic needs being met Persistence Advocating effectively for self and child to receive necessary help

Applying the Framework Concrete Support in Times of Need Everyday Actions Respond immediately when families are in crisisSend the message that asking for help is a sign of strength. Confidentially provide information and connections to services in the community Help families to develop skills and tools they need to identify their needs and connect to supports

Applying the Framework Social & Emotional Competence of Children Children Age appropriate self- regulation Ability to form and maintain relationships Effective communication Parents Warm and consistent responses that foster a strong and secure attachment with the child Encouraging and reinforcing social skills; setting limits

Applying the Framework Social & Emotional Competence of Children Everyday Actions Help parents appreciate their children’s strengths Model nurturing care to children & addressing challenging behavior Include children’s social and emotional development activities in programming Help children develop a positive cultural identity and interact in a diverse society Respond proactively when social or emotional development needs extra support

Applying the Framework Questions?

Applying the Framework Lorie Siebler & Sandra Lemus Community Child Care Council (4Cs) The Parent Café Model

Applying the Framework

Local Stories Grace Harris Child Parent Institute

Provider, Program & Agency Self-Assessment Self- Reflection Worksheet Organizations Staff members Programs Any family-based service Generate discussion and reflection Rate practice Prioritize strategies Guide concrete action plans for program, practice and organizational change Program Self- Assessments Family Resource Centers Center-based Early Care & Education Family Child Care Settings Home Visiting Programs Other community-based programs

Ongoing Professional Development Recommended Resources Center for the Study of Social Policy Assessments, research, training resources, aligning systems Strategies CDSS training and TA to support CA Strengthening Families National Alliance of Children’s Trust & Prevention Funds Extensive online curriculum Be Strong Families Parent Café info, family engagement, parent leadership

Protective Factors Survey Tool Sonoma County PFS Blog protective-factors-survey-resources / PFS Administration Manual

Questions?

Thank you! Planning Team First 5 Sonoma County Adriana Arrizon Leah Benz Carla Denner Kate Pack CPI Grace Harris Sonoma County Human Services Bethany Facendini Helen Simi Holly White-Wolfe 4Cs Sandra Lemus Lorie Siebler

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