Joint SFNN Teleconference/WebinarNovember 17, 2008

(616) 883-8033, access code 451-710-336

This webinar is being recorded, and will be posted on www.strengtheningfamilies.net

C E N T E R F O R T H E S T U D Y O F S O C I A L P O L I C Y

Agenda

1. NATIONAL NETWORK BUSINESS

• Network changes for 2009• 2008 reporting

2. EARLY CHILDHOOD – CHILD WELFARE LINKAGES

• Framing the conversation• Mailman States’ Work

1. Illinois2. New Jersey3. Wisconsin

• Discussion

Network Changes for 2009:Why make changes?

Implementation and widespread support have grown faster than expected, so we need to:

1. Organize CSSP and state resources around issues states care about most

2. Focus on activities that support the sustainability of Strengthening Families

3. Reduce duplication of effort and avoid placing burdens on states

What CSSP will doEngage new partners & constituents: cast a broader net to include localities, programs and practice leaders

Develop & disseminate key content

Provide individualized support for Strengthening Families implementation in states

Mobilize national partners to engage their constituencies in Strengthening Families

Highlight innovative state Strengthening Families implementation

What it means for statesOne simple membership level

Updates through a monthly newsletter; no more all-network calls

Webinars, conference calls, peer sharing on key content areas for interested states

On site TA and learning visits by CSSP to selected states

National conference opportunities to share innovations and meet as a network

levers for change

Parent Partnerships

Systems building

Professional Development

Early Childhood-Child Welfare Linkages

Infrastructure changes

Key Content Areas

SF and Child Welfare Practice

Evaluation and Tracking

Deepening implementation in ECE programs and systems

Integrating SF into policy at the state-level

2008 Reporting

• 1 report per state, submitted online at SFNN site

• Data indicators from workgroup, narrative elements associated with Levers for Change

• Documents to support your data collection and reporting:– Guidance on Data Tracking: Key for data elements. Indicates which

are required for returning Partners, which are optional. Suggests possible sources for certain items.

– Data Tracking Worksheet: Spreadsheet for collecting data before submitting report online.

• Partners are asked to complete all narrative sections and provide as many data elements as possible. Affiliates are asked to complete as much of the report as possible.

Early Childhood-Child Welfare Linkages: Framing• The protective factors can serve as a framework through

which child welfare systems can engage with families in ways that not only support safety but also enhance child well-being and the ability of families to cope with stress.

• Strengthening Families can provide practical guidance on how child welfare can collaborate with early childhood providers and other child and family service providers to ensure children’s safety, well-being and permanence.

• Strengthening Families can help states think about the developmental needs of the youngest children connected to the child welfare system.

Result and Activity

• Optimal Child Development & School Readiness for All Young Children in the Child Welfare System

• For 3-5 Year Olds:– Enroll in early learning– Collaboration among child welfare, parent / foster parent, early

childhood providers

Key Activities

• Policy Change: Rule 314• Agreements between Head Start grantee agencies

and IDCFS for both enrollment and service planning• Educate child welfare staff on the benefits of early

education• Whose job is it to make sure kids enrolled and

promote ec/cw collaboration? School Readiness Specialists (7 positions statewide)

• Strengthening Families early learning networks have child welfare collaboration as a priority

• Policy + Implementation = Long Process!• EC/CW Collaboration has double challenge:

Paradigm shift (within child welfare) & two different worlds coming together

• Lots of good will and willingness to engage on both sides

• Effort needs to be staffed!

Lessons Learned

NJ Department of Human Services & NJ Department of Children & Families

50 CCRR Trainers in NJ’s 21 Counties

In each county: 5 Child CareCenters and County/Local DYFS Officesmeeting and working together

NJ Mailman “Steps” - or - How we got a few things done!

• Vehicle for mass dissemination

• Organized effort (through government, non-profit membership organization, etc..)

• Public will ( media role)• Minimal funding for above• Support within both

entities (CPS workers who support prevention & ECE folks who understand CPS.)

Hard Lessons Learned in NJ

• The secret to success is SPIRIT – Shared Power Initiates Real and Inclusive Teamwork!!

• This effort takes time and a considerable amount of effort. Don’t be discouraged!!

• Unless a comprehensive training is provided to the centers and to the CPS staff solely around this issue, it appears to them as “just another thing we have to do.”

• CPS staff need to feel “value” in working with SF. Their time is so tight that we must help them find strong, undeniable benefits to their involvement.

Wisconsin’sEarly Care & Education/Child Welfare

2009 Work Plan

Washington County PilotPhase 1:Strengthening Families Cross Systems TrainingChoose County foster care cases to pilot ECE/CW

collaborations

Phase 2:Technical Assistance

Phase 3:Strengthening Families Training for Foster

Parents

Proposed Waukesha County PilotPhase 1: Strengthening Families Training For Foster

Parents

Phase 2: Strengthening Families Cross Systems Training Choose County foster care cases to pilot ECE/CW

collaborations

Phase 3:Technical Assistance