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April 2008Vol. 9, No. 3Strengthening Families National Network

States and localities working to integrate a family-strengthening approach into their child welfare systems now can benefit from the Strengthening Families National Network (SFNN). Launched in February 2008 by the Center for the Study of Social Policy, SFNN provides a forum for sharing and disseminating information to improve systems of care that support families through early childhood and child welfare education.

SFNN participants include partners and affiliates around the country that are strongly committed to the strengthening families approach. Partners include States, Territories, and Tribes that have successfully implemented strengths-based practices across systems of care. Affiliates include States, Territories, or Tribes in the early stages of planning and implementing the strengths-based approach. Nine States currently are participating as partners and 14 States as affiliates.

SFNN participants will have the opportunity to participate in Learning Circles to disseminate promising ideas and develop strategies. The Learning Circles will convene once a month in a teleconference and schedule periodic meetings. SFNN participants also will attend symposia and summits and connect with one another through the SFNN online network.

SFNN plans to launch a website featuring tools for early education programs, planning materials for States and localities working to implement the approach, information on training, evaluation tools, and an interactive space for participants interested in collaborative work.

To read more about the Strengthening Families National Network, visit:

www.strengtheningfamilies.net/index.php/main_pages/about_nn/