Family Strengthening Affinity Group

Facilitator: Magdalena Benitez, MSW |  Family Strengthening Consultant

with Lisa Fraser | Network Team Liaison

Strengthening families is a research-informed approach to increase family resilience, enhance child development, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.  Healthcare providers and community programs can engage and partner with parents to help ensure children thrive in supported families. This Network of Care Affinity Group will bring together qualified Parent Educators, Family Advocates and Human Service Providers to connect the medical community with multiple resources offered in the Family Strengthening sector. The discussion will increase participants' knowledge of local Family Resource Centers and referral services as well as improve understanding of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors such as building social connections and self -resiliency skills, and helping parents understand the importance of children’s social/emotional development - all key elements in family strengthening. 

Learning Objectives:

• Importance of the network of care for the Family Strengthening sector

• Perspective of care and support related to family strengthening 

• Beyond access and capacity issues, what are challenges or considerations important to recognize for family strengthening 

• Identify resources, providers, and opportunities for ongoing care and support in the Family Strengthening sector