Strong Families = Strong Communities

I recently attended the college graduation of my youngest nephew, Bobby Hendricks. I am so proud of Bobby!! Bobby was quoted as saying, “it’s not how your start, it’s how you finish.” This quote speaks to Bobby’s journey to earn his college degree while being a young fatherraising his son.  Bobby persevered with the support of a loving family and an extended village.  It really does take a village to raise a child and young adults who need additional support.

I grew up in a small town in Northeast Georgia where the village was definitely at work.  I’m thankful for so many mentors and supporters that were there for me and my siblings. Whether it was a teacher, a neighbor or the church Pastor, the village was at work.  That same village is needed today, but that village must be healthy and armed with resources to handle the complexities of the society that we live in.

My goal with this article is to share resources that can change the trajectory for children and  families.

I would like to introduce you to the Strengthening Families Georgia Approach as well as the Five Protective Factors.  As a Strengthening Families Georgia Trainer, most of my work is done with the early care and education community, but I see a need to expand this work into the broader community.

What is the Strengthening Families approach?  The Strengthening Families Approach is a research based approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.  It is based on engaging families, programs and communities in five protective factors. The Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Office of Prevention and Family Support, provides funding for the Strengthening Families effort in Georgia.

What are the Five Protective Factors? The Five Protective Factors are the foundation of the Strengthening Families Approach.  Research studies support the common-sense notion that when these Five Protective Factors are well established in a family, the likelihood of child abuse and neglect diminishes.  The Five Protective Factors are:

• Parental Resilience (Parents Can Bounce Back)

• Social Connections (Parent have Friends)

• Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development (Parents Know how Children Grow and Learn)

• Concrete Support in Times of Need (Parents know where to turn for help)

• Social and Emotional Competence of Children (Children learn how to talk about and handle feelings)

Children deserve and need strong families. These strong families lead to strong communities.  We all have a role to play in the healthy development of our children.  Think about ONE THING you can do to make a difference in the lives of children and families in your community. Be the change!!

Ways the village can be a safety net for children and families:

• Mentor a family

• Sponsor/Host a “Strengthening Families” training

• Provide quality child care

• Provide opportunities for parents to connect with other parents

• Host parent education/empowerment sessions for parents

• Offer GED classes

• Provide employment for parents

• Provide resources for families so their basic needs are met, i.e. food, clothing, housing

• Offer services to meet the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of children and families

Resources

• The Center for Social Policy (www.cssp.org)

• Strengthening Families Georgia (www.strenghtheningfamiliesga.net)

• The Boys and Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org)

In His service,

Virginia

Please feel free to contact Virginia for further information at vbconsulting@bellsouth.net  

or vbconsultinggroup.com

JANUARY 3, 2019