The overall goal for this priority project is that programs and services for families with young children will integrate the Strengthening Families Model/5 Protective Factors into their service delivery.
Some specific objectives include:
- Raise public awareness of the Strengthening Families Model and how the 5 Protective Factors support strong families. Highlight community organizations that have adopted the model into their work with families.
- Recruit community partners to incorporate the Strengthening Families Model into their practice.
- Provide training and technical support to professionals working with families to implement the Strengthening Families Model and incorporate the 5 Protective Factors, including facilitation of parent cafes.
- Educate families on the Strengthening Families model and empower them to strengthen their own families through the 5 Protective Factors.
- Utilize data gathered in parent cafes to understand how they are aware of and utilize family support services. Integrate data gathered to complete an assessment of parent education and family support services available and to recognize gaps (e.g. parents recognize their place of worship as a trustworthy resource and therefore may utilize faith-based services and support in times of need).
Some expected outcomes include:
- Develop formalized agreements with 10 community organizations to implement changes in their policy or procedures toward integrating the Strengthening Families model and/or the 5 protective factors within their current practices with families (includes pediatricians, parent education, home visiting, early care and education, etc).
- 25 parent cafes (approx. 250 parents total) will be facilitated to empower families to understand how to build a stronger family and to connect families to the resources they need.
- Monitor and report out quarterly on (a) types of services parents utilize (b) ways that parents are referred to services, (c) services parents would find helpful.