2017 Conference on Child Welfare and the Courts Protective Factors Framework & Youth Thrive Promoting Youth Resilience October 19, 2017 Rebecca K. Murray Debbie Zwicky

ACEs in Wisconsin Prevention Board Strategic Plan Create and advocate for effective prevention public policies Promote evidence-informed practice and develop innovative programs that support parents and caregivers Collaborate with key stakeholders to leverage resources and implement prevention initiatives Educate professional and community members on child abuse and neglect issues

All families experience challenges and stress

Household Dysfunction ACEs in Wisconsin Three Types of ACEs Abuse Neglect Household Dysfunction Physical Emotional Sexual Physical Emotional Mental Illness Mother Treated Violently Divorce Incarcerated Relative Substance Abuse

Positive Development Approaches

Project Overview Multi-year initiative of the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) Examined the research from: resiliency positive youth development neuroscience impact of trauma on brain development

Project Overview How all youth can be supported healthy development and well-being reducing the impact of negative life experiences including toxic stress and trauma Focus was on vulnerable youth Not only about limiting risk factors protective and promotive factors

Promotive and Protective Factors The Strengthening Families Protective Factors Parental Resilience Social Connections Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Concrete Support in Times of Need Social-Emotional Competence of Children The Youth Thrive Protective and Promotive Factors Youth Resilience Social Connections Knowledge of Adolescent Development Concrete Support in Times of Need Cognitive and Social-Emotional Competence in Youth

I remember when I was an adolescent...

Throughout Adolescence Cortex & frontal lobe still developing Behavior is primarily mediated by the limbic area Emotionally reactive Pleasure and thrill seeking Experiment with risky behavior Oriented to the ‘immediate’ Not consistently thinking of consequences or long-term implications

Late Adolescence Cortex Limbic Mid Brain Brain Stem Abstract Thought Concrete Thought Affiliation Cortex Attachment Sexual Behavior Emotional Reactivity Limbic Motor Regulation Arousal Sleep and appetite Mid Brain Blood Pressure Heart Rate Body Temperature Brain Stem

Let’s Talk About Stress Normal Stress Traumatic Stress Age appropriate Manageable Geared toward developmental milestones Short in duration Supportive resources available Supports healthy development Beyond developmental understanding Chronic Cortisol levels go up and stay up Few or uncertain supportive resources Impacts every area of development

Social Connections What are social connections and Why are they important for healthy youth development?

Young People with Connections… Feel loved, wanted, and valued Feel people who care about them Feel secure & confident Willing to seek help

Develop a Template What do they expect to: How might they view: See, hear, feel, experience How might they view: Themselves Adults How might they approach: New relationships New experiences

Cognitive & Social-Emotional Competencies Executive functioning: Cognitive flexibility Future orientation Cognitive self-regulation Emotional self-regulation Behavioral self-regulation Planning Working memory Social-Emotional Self-awareness Self-concept Self-esteem Self-efficacy Self-compassion Self-improvement and mastery Personal agency Character strengths Positive emotions

Just Breathe Video: Just Breathe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVA2N6tX2cg

Access to Supports Helps address issues Not feel isolated Help build relationships with others

Not as Easy as It Seems Difficult for a young person to ask for help Think they should be able to figure this out on their own. History of trauma or adversity limited access to competent caring adults missed opportunities to learn and practice important skills

Resilience is… …the process of managing stress and functioning well even when faced with adversity or trauma

Resilience… … allows youth to: face challenges make productive decisions take responsibility for actions positively influence their development and well-being

Resilient Youth Supportive connections View self positively Aware of their emotions Strong communication Confident to solve problems Can ask for help Resilient and not a victim Good self-care habits Resource for others positive outlook for their future

Training Opportunities Youth Thrive http://www.allwisyouth.org/ Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work

Thank You Contact Information Debbie Zwicky debbiezwicky@earthlink.net Rebecca K. Murray Rebeccak.Murray@wi.gov 608-267-3678