Strengthening Families: Changing the Lives of Children Through Conversations That Matter

Our Values

• Meaningful conversation that facilitates positive change
• The inalienable right to every child to the five protective factors necessary to thrive

Our Knowledge Base

The stepping stool we visualize to reach a more compassionate way of living has three legs to stand on.

1. Children need five specific elements (protective factors) in their family in order to thrive. In fact, if even one of the five is missing it is very difficult for a child to be happy.
2. We also know that by virtue of being a parent we are all leaders and we cannot achieve the kind of compassionate community children require unless we all take personal leadership for positive change in ourselves, in our homes, and in the community.
3. Families raise their children within the context of their community.  Parents need to partner with their community to provide what their children need.   

For more information on the Strengthening Families framework visit Center for the Study of Social Policy or Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.                                                                               

Five questions to ask

1.     I will continue to have courage during stress or after a crisis (resiliency)

• Reflecting back on a challenging time in my family, how did my family get through it?
• What does resiliency mean to me?  How do I keep it going?

2.    I can access basic needs when I need them (access to concrete support)

• How does it impact my child when basic needs are not met?
• How can all families get their needs met, not just families who know how the system works?
  

3.    Parenting is part natural and part learned (adequate knowledge of parenting and child development)

• How do I know when I need more information?
• How do I know my child is developing to his/her potential?
  

4.    I have people who know me and at least one person who supports my parenting

• Who can I count on in my family, neighborhood, or community?
• How does my family history or culture make it difficult or easy to ask for help?
  

5.    My children feel loved, like they belong, and they can get along with others (social and emotional health)

• What does this look like for my child?
• How do I know when to ask for help?
  

Your Action

• Ask yourself how the five protective factors impact your family and child.
• Have this conversation with a friend, child care provider, your child’s preschool teacher – anyone you think needs to have this really important information.
  
• Don’t hesitate to ask for more information, there is a group of parents in Washington that would like to hear from you and share what they have done to improve lives for their children and community (communitycafe@gmail.com).
  
• Consider hosting a Compassion Circle or Community Café group where you can learn from others and share your wisdom about building the five protective factors in your family and in your community.

  For more information contact communitycafe@gmail.com