Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut, has released a final evaluation report on their Child Safety Forward initiative.
Child Safety Forward is a nationwide, 3-year demonstration initiative funded by OVC to develop multidisciplinary strategies and responses to reduce fatalities or near-death injuries due to child abuse or neglect.
The Saint Francis Hospital project was led by a parent engagement work group drawn from parents in the community, including those who have lost loved ones, those who have experience with child and family service systems, those who have existing relationships with the Greater Hartford Family Advocacy Center at Saint Francis Hospital, and members of Hartford Parent University. Other stakeholders included state agencies and community-based organizations.
Insights learned by the work group led to the development of a comprehensive educational guide, “From Pain to Parenting,” with training guidelines and modules for parents on multiple topics related to child well-being. Parents will implement this guide in Hartford’s neighborhoods by conducting training sessions in safe and welcoming spaces.
In addition to Saint Francis Hospital, OVC funded four other sites under the FY 2019 Reducing Child Fatalities and Recurring Child Injuries Caused by Crime Victimization demonstration initiative—
- Indiana Department of Health;
- Cook County Health, Illinois;
- Sacramento County’s Child Abuse Prevention Council, California; and
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Learn more about the Child Safety Forward initiative.