Building Parent Partnerships to Strengthen Families

Building protective and promotive factors, not just reducing risk An approach – not a model, a program or a curriculum A changed relationship with parents Aligning practice with developmental science The four Big Ideas behind Strengthening Families

A changed relationship with parents Supporting parents’ ability to parent effectively Involving parents as partners in achieving good outcomes for children Engaging parents effectively through programs Partnering with parents to help design systems and policies that work for children and families Engaging parents directly in mutually supportive relationships that build protective factors

Families leading the way “At risk” familiesAll families Risk factors Protective factors/buffers to stress and trauma Prevention Promoting strong families and healthy development FromTo

Mechanics of parent partnership Children & Families Programs Leadership

Parents Shaping Their Child’s Future How parents can be supported in this role:  Programs implementing SF  Information & education tied to PFs  Parent-to-parent approaches (Cafés) Making it part of your Strengthening Families work:  Encouraging programs to use the SF self-assessment  Weaving into training for those working with families  Funding programs that teach these skills or offer these supports  Encouraging processes & tools that support parent’s role in decision-making for their child Children & Families

Parents Shaping Services and Programs How parents can be supported in this role: Culture of engagement A “level playing field” / room in decision- making processes Rethinking what services & programs do Leadership ladders & career pathways Buddy systems, mentoring Customer feedback processes Incentives & practical supports Making it part of your Strengthening Families work: Requirements in grants & contracts Offering/supporting training that focuses on developing these skills Providing compensation & supports Providing recognition Offering multiple opportunities including career pathways Providing clarity about where the boundaries are – & being willing to push them Programs

Parents Shaping Systems and Policies How parents can be supported in this role: Seats at the table Networking opportunities Parent-led & organized change efforts Policy briefs or legislation shaped by parent perspectives Mentoring, buddy systems, coaching Making it part of your Strengthening Families work: Parent representation in Strengthening Families State Leadership Teams Making space/inviting Advocacy & leadership training Looking for goal alignment with parent-led groups Funding Providing compensation & supports Providing recognition Leadership

Parent Roles in State Strengthening Families Initiatives Member of state leadership team Member of advisory or working committees Host for Community or Parent Cafés Member of a Parent Advisory Council Trainer, co-trainer or presenter Paid staff Leadership

Parent partnerships Ensure that prevention strategies are responsive to all kinds of families, all kinds of family traditions and choices Involve parents consistently in meaningful ways, as decision-making partners at all levels Help create consumer (and voter) support for Strengthening Families and children’s issues