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"Using local resources and knowledge, Community Networks facilitate culture change that not only resolves social problems, but also builds long term community capacity that is consistent with local values and social organization. Institutions are transformed, existing social networks are strengthened, new social networks are created, and the identity and cohesion of the community are revived and reinforced. Throughout, individuals and groups within the community are reminded that they can improve their own lives and the lives of others, and are empowered to do so. The Family Policy Council is accomplishing all of this at a cost that is significantly less than traditional government programs." Dr. Kimberly Martin, University of LaVerne, "Creating Sustainable Organizations in the Globalizing World: Integrating Anthropological Knowledge and Organizational System Theory" 2007 |
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Our family-community-state partnership reduces expensive social problems by involving each community in finding its own unique pathway to thriving families. Currently, the Family Policy Council partners with 42 Community Public Health and Safety Networks across Washington State to successfully reduce multiple problem behaviors including child abuse and youth substance abuse, and work to improve the state's policies that impact the lives of children and families.
The Family Policy Council stands clearly on the leading edge of effective practice, cost reduction, and policy for improving mental, emotional, behavioral and physical disorders among the most vulnerable people. The Institute of Medicine and National Research Council urge formation of Family Policy Council infrastructure in all states in their 2009 report about preventing mental, emotional and behavioral (MEB) disorders in youth.
"State and communities should develop networked systems to apply resources to the promotion of metal health and prevention of MEB disorders among their young people. These systems should involve individuals, families, schools, justice systems, health care systems, and relevant community-based programs. Such approaches should build on available evidence-based programs and involve local evaluators to assess the implementation process of individual programs or policies and to measure community-wide outcomes." (Preventing Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People - Progress and Possibilities; Sept. 2009)
JANUARY 2010 -The first Washington State data about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and adult health is available through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
The Family Policy Council facilitated the addition of ACE inquiry into the 2009 BRFSS telephone interview with the financial support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Washington State Committee for Children and Families of Incarcerated Parents. This cross-sectional information will support more strategic, effective and leveraged investment in mental, physical and behavioral health and can improve factors vital to global competitiveness for business in our state. Washington State is one of seven states to include ACE questions in the BRFSS survey conducted by state health departments. "But the pioneer is Washington State, which jumped on the ACE Study a decade ago. (H)undreds of people in juvenile justice, education, child protective services, and rehabilitation have already integrated the ACE Study into their programs." (LJWorld.com, October 6, 2009)
OPPORTUNITY - The BRFSS ACE response analysis plan and timeline has been designed. We need your help and ideas about lines of inquiry and order of questions to pursue to make this information more applicable to system wide improvement. Contributions you might consider include funding, research skills and time, publication partnership and distribution of findings. Funding is particularly important for second year data collection and analysis. This expansion will enhance data desegregation for more refined and responsive service improvement. Please contact us to learn more and to take part in this pioneering research.