Family Strong
Universal Prevention for Strong and Thriving Families, or Family Strong, creates an inclusive network of community providers in southeast Kansas designed to reach families before disruption escalates into a crisis resulting in contact with the child welfare system.
Family Strong is a community-based initiative that advances universal primary prevention, an approach that strengthens the well-being of all children and families by connecting them with support before challenges escalate. Through partnerships among community organizations, public agencies and the University of Kansas, Family Strong helps build coordinated systems that make prevention services more accessible and effective.
Families often interact with multiple organizations as they navigate challenges related to health, parenting, finances and other needs. Family Strong creates stronger connections among community partners so families can access support earlier and more easily, regardless of where they first seek help. The initiative:
Initiative details
Connects systems and services
Expands access to prevention resources
Supports whole-family approaches
Builds community capacity
Family Strong Impact
Recognized for Strengthening Families
KU Team of the Year builds sustainable system of support for Kansas families
Defining Family Well-Being Together
How CPPR Partners with Communities to Help Families Thrive
Strengthening Families Through Prevention
How prevention services strengthen families
Turning Community Voices into Action
When communities make sense of the data, needs are truly understood
Partners
Center for Public Partnerships and Research partners together with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and three community-based agencies in Southeast Kansas. This system of early intervention will meet the complex needs of families to increase their well-being and reduce maltreatment and out-of-home placements for children.
Funding
Family Strong is a 5-year cooperative agreement between the Center for Public Partnerships and Research and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau. Kansas is one of only six grantees nationally, aimed at demonstrating integrated, cross-sector approaches designed to transform the traditional, reactive child welfare system into a comprehensive child and family well-being system.