Strategies 2.0 Southern California Learning Community
Thank you for joining us on  Thursday February 27, 2020  for the third of our 4-part SoCal Learning Community series:

Re-visioning Prevention:   Exploring Systems Innovation and Best Practices in the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
The incredible Parent Partners: Amber, Cecilia, Roger & Lindsey!
Many thanks to the Anaheim Hive for hosting the Hub in Orange County! We were delighted to have participants representing all 9 counties in the SoCal region on February 27th. Thank you to all who participated, both in person and online.
Resources & Materials
Listen to the recording of the February 27, 2020 SoCal Learning Community here . We had a few sound glitches at the beginning, so the recording starts with Shawndi Johnson's presentation.
Please visit the Strategies 2.0 YouTube Channel to access Learning Community convening recordings from all 6 regions of the state, as well as webinars and other resources!
Shawndi Johnson, MSW, Presentation
Shawndi Johnson, Dads Matter Program Manager, shared with us the critical importance of engaging fathers in the process of sharing services, family healing, and creating strong, healthy communities.
Children without father involvement are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, have behavioral problems, suffer obesity, and drop out of high school. Economic stability, health, education and safety are potentially impacted with a present father.

This Father Friendly Survey will help you and your team assess how accessible your organization is to fathers. In Shawndi's presentation (linked above) slides 11, 12 and 13 provide an activity to assist in thinking creatively how to better connect with dads. Slide 15 provides resources.

A recent article from fatherly.com shares that Kids With Involved Dads Thrive. So Do the Dads.
Panel Discussion
A few highlights from our wonderful panel discussion:

  • Parents want to be seen as individuals.

  • A system cannot raise children.

  • A Parent Partner can advocate for families and bring challenges up the chain of command.

  • It makes a difference to have a consistent cheerleader reminding parents that they can overcome their adversity and reunite with their children.
  • Take time to explain the terminology and intricacies of the process with parents. Navigating the Child Welfare system can be incredibly challenging and scary.

  • Let parents know what to expect through the process. Remind them of their rights, including the right ask questions, speak up about their needs, and seek clarification about mandates and requests.

  • Respect parents, especially dads, desire to protect their family.

  • Our systems aren't perfect. But we can work together to create the best possible outcomes for families.
Participant reflections:
It was eye-opening to hear about fathers involvement in the healing process. I'm going to make an extra effort to include fathers in my work.

I will encourage my agency to be available to families at times that work better for them.

It's inspiring to hear about how different counties are working with parents. Parents are with us on the journey of strengthening families.

I'm excited to learn more about the Reunification Preparation Course that Lindsey is developing in Santa Barbara County!
I want to learn more about the father engagement programs in my community and get involved.

I will take what I learned back to the staff meeting at my organization and work closely with the Family Advocates to be more intentional in engaging fathers, as well as exploring our biases towards dads.

I'll be more intentional about engaging fathers.
Save The Date!
Please mark your calendars for the last session in our 4-part series building leadership capacity to improve outcomes for children in the SoCal region . 

Thursday May 14, 2019
Re-visioning child abuse prevention in your community
Practicing culturally aware prevention
Best wishes for a safe and healthy spring break to you and your community! We look forward to connecting with you in May.

Lisa Fraser
Southern California Learning Community Facilitator
(805) 466-5404