An Introduction Prepared by Bonnie Paris November 8, 2013

What is the HOPE Network? A think-tank to improve community wellness by Helping Others Provide Encouragement using evidence-based social and emotional resources.

How did it start? Part of the CDC Community Transformation Grant funded Partnership for a Healthy Community Project* Builds our community’s capacity for implementing evidence-based approaches to improve child wellness. *Grant #1H75DP from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Where do evidence-based approaches come from? Research Studies Consideration of Evidence Recommendations for Evidence-Based Approaches: Guidelines Programs

Links everyone working to improve social & emotional wellness in our community together – Dynamic learning collaborative – Connects practitioners with experts Improves our ability to secure program funding Available to anyone HOPE Network makes using evidence- based approaches easy

Our Pledge I am committed to improve community wellness by Helping Others Provide Encouragement using evidence-based social and emotional resources. I connect with others in the community to work together on common problems. I learn and apply new knowledge to my daily work. I share new knowledge including research findings and evidence-based approaches. I celebrate success and share our stories.

Easy as Take the HOPE Pledge 2.Start learning 3.Start sharing How do I join?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) linked to: Risky behavior Psychological issues Serious illness Leading causes of death People with six or more ACEs died nearly 20 years earlier on average than those without ACEs. Life expectancy by ACE score:

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

ACE study by CDC and Kaiser Permanente included more than 17,000 people between 1995 and Economic toll estimated at $124 billion

 Learn more at Model for the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study

What can we do about child maltreatment? 1.Understand risk factors 2.Understand protective factors 3.Use evidence-based approaches to serve children and families in need

Risk Factors for Child Maltreatment Risk factors are characteristics associated with child maltreatment—they may or may not be direct causes. Combination of: – Individual factors – Relational factors – Community factors – Societal factors

Protective Factors Buffer children from being abused or neglected Not studied as extensively or rigorously as risk factors – Current evidence supports use of supportive family environment and social networks to protect against child maltreatment – Research is ongoing on other family protective factors and community protective factors

Communities that support parents and take responsibility for preventing abuse Caring adults outside the family who can serve as role models or mentors Parental employment Household rules & child monitoring Stable family relationships Nurturing parenting skills Access to health care & social services Adequate housing Supportive family environment & social networks Protective Factors

What’s next? Continue to evolve the HOPE Network as a self-sustaining community learning collaborative – Our 1 st “message” is about the ACE Study – The next is about the CDC Legacy for Children program – …and then beyond!