Children's Action Alliance’s Post

While the "Are the Children Well?" report may not be more than three years old it is still part of United Way of Waco-McLennan County's 100-year history. In 2021, the McLennan County Child Well-being Movement released "Are the Children Well?". This report highlighted challenges facing children and families in certain neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for comprehensive community support. The findings stressed the importance of a holistic, two-generational approach to child well-being, where family success is integral to children's thriving. In response, the McLennan County Child Well-being Community Action Plan has been developed, outlining strategies to improve local systems and policies. This plan aims to enhance outcomes for children and families across the county, requiring collaboration across sectors. It signals the beginning of a concerted effort to ensure all local families receive the support they need for children to flourish. Continued community engagement, strategizing, and action will drive lasting change for generations to come.

New report of a project I supported at Child Trends has officially come out! The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of intentionally integrating families’ needs, priorities, and experiences into the design and provision of services and supports for families with young children. Learn more about how some states are engaging parents and integrating their perspectives into efforts to strengthen child care and early education systems in a new OPRE report. https://lnkd.in/gjrNQYnk 

Did you know that August is Child Support Awareness Month? This year marks 49 years of supporting families, setting children up for success, and celebrating child support professionals. Learn more: https://ow.ly/67wQ50SPm0y #ChildSupportAwarenessMonth

Did you know that August is Child Support Awareness Month? This year marks 49 years of supporting families, setting children up for success, and celebrating child support professionals. Learn more: https://gag.gl/IHitpR #ChildSupportAwarenessMonth

It's the final week of Family Engagement Month. Check out this resource from Child Care Aware to discover practical tips and activities for family engagement. #FamilyEngagement #YouthPrograms #CommunityBuilding

🌟 Engaging families in support services: Moving beyond the ‘hard-to-reach’ label 🌟    We often hear about ‘hard-to-reach’ families. But the question we need to ask ourselves is, what is it about families that makes us consider them ‘hard-to-reach’?📝   https://lnkd.in/gH7DMeJA    In his insightful new blog, Dr Paul Prichard explores how we can break down barriers that prevent some families from engaging with services.    A parent once told Paul about the ‘sharp edges’ of services that she had experienced. As Paul says, her analogy paints a powerful picture of parents being repelled and wounded in their attempts to access services.     So, what can we do differently? The key is ✨how✨ we engage with families, not just what we deliver.    Families want services that feel warm and welcoming, with professionals who:    🔑 Are relatable, friendly and caring  🔑 Make an effort to find connection by being open and sharing a little about themselves  🔑 Listen deeply  🔑 Use language that creates a level playing field    For more on how to build relationships with families based on trust and empathy – the foundation for better engagement and outcomes for children – head to 👉https://lnkd.in/gH7DMeJA Trina Hinkley John Molden Sarah Davies

It mentions in the #FamilyPreservation redesign discussion paper that Family Preservation services are highly rationed, the question I have is what attempts have been made to expand the resourcing commitment to family preservation services to reduce rationing!

The redesign discussion paper is out folks! If you want to be part of the sector response workshop and you're not already connected in with the Family Preservation Sector Network, make sure you get in touch👉 https://lnkd.in/gZxfia95

During my time at @Life Without Barriers, I’ve learned that fostering can come in many forms. Providing care doesn’t have to be full-time; it can be providing a safe space for a young person for a couple of nights or one weekend each month. When it comes to fostering, no two children or families are the same; that’s why Life Without Barriers doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Think outside the box and learn more about the diverse ways you could make a difference here: https://lnkd.in/gMUF6SGc

Through our signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, the Foundation supports the hiring of adoption professionals, known as recruiters, who are dedicated to finding permanent families for children in foster care who are too often overlooked. That includes teenagers, children with special needs and siblings. Recruiters use an evidence-based, child-focused recruitment model to find the right family for every child. A rigorous, five-year national evaluation revealed that children referred to the program are up to 3x more likely to be adopted. The child-focused recruitment focuses on three areas: ❤️ Finding the right family for the child ❤️ Respecting a child’s voice, privacy and dignity ❤️ The belief that every child is adoptable. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gH_k9Tns