1. Dedicated to Empowering Parents and Nurturing Children

2. Come Visit

3. The Family Center

4. Helping to Rebuild the Family Our Mission To end the cycle of child abuse and neglect by providing services that empower parents, nurture children and strengthen families.

5. OUR VISION A community that nurtures children and strengthens families

6. CORE VALUES Asking for Help is a Sign of Strength Build on Existing Strengths

7. 25+ Years of Service to Our Community Families First has a dual purpose. Prevention of child abuse through support services for families and residential treatment for young, abused children.

8. Our Family of Services  Statewide Family Support Line (4047 Calls)  Parent Education Classes (398 Parents Participated)  Circle of Parents® (357 Parents Participated)  Children’s Group (185 children)  Residential Treatment for children who have been abused and neglected (9-10 Children at any time)

9. The Children’s Treatment Center

10. FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES Family of Services Family Support Line Spanish Family Support Services Consejos Para Familias Circle of Parents® Parent Education

11. PROTECTIVE FACTORS Foundation of our Family Support Services Nurturing and attachment Knowledge of parenting and development Parental resilience Social connections Concrete supports for parents

12. Nurturing and Attachment: Parents learn how to understand, respond to and communicate with their children. When parents and children have strong, warm feelings for one another, children develop trust that their parents will provide what they need to thrive, including love, acceptance, positive guidance, and protection Knowledge of parenting and child development: Parents have information about what to anticipate as children develop and strategies for effective parenting. Parents learn what to look for at each stage of development. When parents are not aware of normal developmental milestones, they interpret their child's behaviors in a negative way, or do not know how to respond to and effectively manage a child's behavior, they can become frustrated and may resort to harsh discipline or emotional withdrawal.

13. Parental Resilience: Parents who can cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well as an occasional crisis, have resilience; they have the flexibility and inner strength necessary to bounce back when things are not going well. Parents with resilience are generally able to cope on their own, but they also know how to seek help in times of trouble. Their ability to deal with life's ups and downs serves as a model of coping behavior for their children. Social Networks: Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves. Most parents need people they can call on once in a while when they need a sympathetic listener, advice, or concrete support. Conversely, research has shown that parents who are isolated, with few social connections, are at higher risk for child abuse and neglect.

14. Concrete supports for parents: Many factors affect a family's ability to care for their children. Families who can meet their own basic needs for food, clothing, housing, and transportation—and who know how to access essential services such as child care, health care, and mental health services to address family-specific needs—are better able to ensure their children's safety and well-being

15. FAMILY SUPPORT LINE Listening ear, information, resources Support during difficult parenting times Information and response to concerns about child development, behaviors and parenting questions Community information and referral source Current community parent education list Any parent or professional may call

16. FAMILY SUPPORT LINE Available 7 days, 10 am – 10 pm Metro 303-695-7996 Statewide/Toll-free 1800CHILDREN

17. SPANISH FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES “Advice” for Parents Culture of word of mouth – trust Encouraging education Encourage Protective Factors Spanish Advisory Council group of Latino community members who provide insight & serve as ambassadors of SFSS Focus on importance of Education Target marketing in schools Parent workshops – in schools, community organizations and at the Family Center Outreach and collaboration

18. CONSEJOS PARA FAMILIAS 866-Las-Familias (866-527-3264) Dedicated Family Support Line for Spanish speakers Focus on Parent Education

19. COMMUNITY OUTREACH SchoolsHealth careDex Media – phone books Day CareInternetProfessional Mailing list Human Services Probation Word of MouthYOU

20. PARENT EDUCATION Classes 3 – 12 weeks Curriculum based Instructor led – discussion encouraged Variety of times and locations Minimal fee – scholarships available Free Children’s group Accepted for Court Ordered

21. PARENT EDUCATION Seminars Community request Often in schools Fee may apply Wide range of topics

22. Circle of Parents® National Support group model Relationship with Prevent Child Abuse America 28 states and growing Families First groups Community Collaborations Head Start and ECE programs Lutheran Family Services – Ft Collins Support System and Fellowship Clayton Early Learning Colorado Dads Advocates for Recovery Douglas County Youth Initiative – Wrap Around Free Children’s group Free, ongoing, weekly meetings Accepted for court ordered

23. Circle of Parents® Building Blocks –5 Protective Factors –Shared Leadership – Facilitator/Parent Leader –MUSH – Mutual Self Help –Family Support - Support System and Fellowship

24. Circle of Parents® FreeConfidentialAnonymous Non-judgmentalPromoting positive parenting Trust RespectReciprocityPersonal Accountability Parenting in the Present Flexible

25. CHILDREN’S GROUP Encourage interaction with parents to develop Protective Factors Social skills activity Anger management, labeling and sharing feelings appropriately, safety, family rules and roles, conflict resolution and games on behavior modification Arts and crafts project Building self-esteem through cooperative art, share artwork with parents and other group members

26. CHILDREN’S GROUP Snack time Nutritious snack provided, model healthy snacks for families Sharing time Sharing interesting events while learning turn taking, empathic and active listening, and problem solving

27. Measure of Protective Factors Families First Family Support Programs: –Evaluations Circle of Parents®, Parent Education Classes, and Children’s Group fit the questions asked to the protective factors –Evidence Informed Circle of Parents® recently (4/12/2011) completed data for research project to be evidence based –Training Facilitator, Educator and Children’s Group Leader Quarterly Peer Supervision Meeting –Family Support Line/Consejos Para Familias Active, empathic listening Advice/tips Follow up calls

28. Together, we CAN make a difference!

29. www.FamiliesFirstColorado.org