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Common themes that emerged from the discussions in April included a focus on:
Prevention and early intervention that
is proactive rather than reactive.
Christopher Maxwell, assistant professor in Criminal Justice, called
for long-term, comprehensive, early interventions that target at-risk
populations.
Community-based approaches that help build
community capacity as well as involve the community in planning and
decision making.
Comprehensive, interdisciplinary approaches
that offer seamless delivery.
"We need an integration of professionals and families,"
said Marjorie Kostelnik, chair of Family and Child Ecology. "Let's
focus on the whole child, whole families, whole programs and whole
communities."
Professional development that builds practitioners'
core competencies with training across disciplines.
Measured outcomes and impacts that can
inform future programs.
"Right now we lack the tools that can tell us if we have made a difference,"
said Dr. Kostelnik.
Changing behavior as opposed to just
raising awareness.
Carol Wruble, MSU Extension nutrition specialist, emphasized,
"We need to help people build skills in making choices." |
A need for innovative
solutions to children, youth and family questions that are
in touch with today's climate.
The Youth Forum, for example, discussed developing meaningful prevention
programs for youth before they enter the judicial system. "We need
to sharpen our edge and keep up with current trends," said Michael
Maisner, Director of Michigan Recreation and Parks Association, "let's
start focusing on prevention and being proactive instead of being
reactive."
A need for shared information and collaboration
between organizations as well as with community members.
Forum participants agreed that collaboration on research and program
efforts is key to achieving each groups' goals. Gary Anderson, chair
of MSU's School of Social Work and panel member in the Violence &
Violence Prevention Forum, explained that unilateral work on child
maltreatment doesn't succeed; efforts must be community based, multidisciplinary
and family centered.
A need for infrastructure.
In the Young Children Forum, Jerry Johnson of Priority 90's in Genesee
County, emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure and
building community capacity to support children and families.
The forums concluded with a presentation given by Jon Harrison from
MSU Libraries on locating funding and research opportunities as well
as other web-related resources.
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