Strengthening Families Summit & Protective Factors Focus

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NH Strengthening Families logo

Strengthening Families Summit

March 19, 2012

Grappone Conference Center, Concord

8:30 to 4:00

Cost: $75.00

Click here to for more information and to register

Protective Factors

We've learned that there are very specific characteristics that when present, families are stronger and children are safer. These characteristics are called Protective Factors.

The Strengthening Families approach details a framework for helping educational settings, agencies, providers and others on whom children and families depend, develop these protective factors in families.

Protective Factors:

Parental Resilience: Parents are able to cope, draw upon their own strengths and other resources.
Social Connections: Parents have a community of support, individuals to turn to for support.
Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: Parents provide safe boundaries, consistent rules and expectations, affection, positive discipline, good listening skills.
Concrete support in times of need: Parents know where to turn to for help. The family has access to resources to meet basic needs.
Social and Emotional Competence of Children: The child feels loved and can get along with others. Parents know how to help their children talk about their feelings.

The Strengthening Families Framework was developed by the Center for the Study of Social Social Policy and offers strategies that can be implemented in any setting.

On March 19, 2012 join educators, child welfare representatives, early childhood professionals, health care providers, children's librarians and others who support children and families. On this date we will convene at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord to explore how the Strengthening Families Framework can be implemented across every sector of the community to help families develop protective factors.

We'll hear from colleagues in Tennessee who have successfully implemented this framework in their state. Participants will also have an opportunity to convene with colleagues from their own community to discuss how it can be implemented in their region. This is a special opportunity to learn about a flexible framework that can make a real difference in the lives of children.

To join us or for more information please visit www.nhchildrenstrust.org or call 224-1279.

CEU's will be available.

Premium Sponsor

Program Sponsor

Concord Connections

Friend Sponsors

Becket Family of Services

Catholic Diocese of Manchester

Children's Hospital at Dartmouth

Child and Family Services of NH

Core Physicians-Core Pediatrics

Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire

Family Support New Hampshire

General Federation of Women's Clubs, NH

National Alliance on Mental Illness, NH

NH Association for Infant Mental Health

NH Catholic Charities-OUR PLACE Program

New Hampshire Children's Trust

NH Department of Health and Human Services

Riverbend Community Mental Health

Hosted by the NH Strengthening Families Leadership Team

NH DHHS, Division of Children, Youth and Families

NH DHHS, Division of Public Health Services

NH DHHS, Division of Special Medical Service

NH DHHS, Division of Family Assistance

Early Childhood Advisory Council

Early Learning New Hampshire

New Hampshire Children's Trust

FACT: There is a lower incidence of child abuse and neglect in families who build PROTECTIVE FACTORS.

NH Children's Trust

10 Ferry Street, Suite 315

Concord, NH 03301

(603) 224-1279

A Focus on Social Connections

Parents have a community of support, individuals to turn to for support.

Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and theirselves. Most parents need people they can call on once in a while when they need a sympathetic listener, advice, or concrete support.

Research has shown that parents who are isolated, with few social connections, are at a higher risk for child abuse and neglect.

Some parents may need to devleop self-confidence and social skills to expand their social networks. Helping parents identify resources and/or providing opportunities for them to make connections within their neighborhood or community may encourage isolated parents to reach out.

Opportunities often exist within faith-based organizations, schools, hospitals, community centers, and other places where support groups or social groups meet.

Questions for Parents

Who can you call for advice or just to talk? How often do you see them?
Do you have family members or friends nearby who can help you out once in a while?
Do you belong to a church, temple, mosque, bookclub, parenting group, or a specialized support group?
Do you have a child in a local pre-school, school, Head Start program, swim lessons or dance program?
What kind of things do you do for fun or to relax?
Would you be interested in getting together with other parents who have a baby, a teenager, a child with special needs...?
What kind of support do you need so you can have some time with friends?
Do you attend community events?
Have you joined your local library? Do they have a story hour?

Ideas for Parents:

Join or create a babysitting exchange or co-op
Go to your local park with your children
Participate in parent meetings at your child's school
Have a game night with other families
Get out and walk and meet your neighbors
Join or create a playgroup

Benefits of a broad social network:

Helps ease the burden of parenting
Models positive social interactions for children
Gives children access to other supportive adults
Provides support in times of crisis
Offers opportunities to help others

Having someone that supports your parenting is one of the most valuable treasures a parent can own.

(the above was taken from Strengthening Families and Communities, 2011 Resource Guide www.childwelfare.gov/preventing)

New Hampshire Children's Trust, Inc.

Vision

Every New Hampshire child will thrive in safe, stable and nurturing families and communities.

Mission

Lead New Hampshire's drive to eliminate child abuse and neglect.

PCANH logo

The New Hampshire Children's Trust is the New Hampshire chapter of

Prevent Child Abuse America.

To find out more about our programs and partners, go to our website.