When we first launched our Kids Need Connections child abuse prevention campaign in 2014, our “Children’s Stories That Build Resiliency” was a huge hit. We have presented at various conferences and given several workshops throughout Virginia highlighting not only the 15 stories but also resiliency theory and how to build resiliency in children. We were asked […]
As we approach Fathers’ Day, we’re reflecting on a project we’ve been working on at SCAN over the last several months to place special emphasis on engaging men, particularly (but not limited to!) fathers, in preventing family violence. One of our Master of Social Work interns this year compiled research around how to connect with, […]
Volunteers in our CASA Program are one of the most powerful examples of a positive adult connection in a child’s life we can think of. Our Kids Need Connections campaign celebrates the nurturing, transformative power of positive adult relationships in the lives of children. For abused and neglected children who already find themselves in the system, a CASA volunteer might be one […]
May 1, 2015 On June 5, 2015, SCAN and its Allies in Prevention Coalition will host Mobilizing Connections to Strengthen Families: A Dialogue Between FAITH COMMUNITIES and HUMAN SERVICES. From 8:00 – 11:00 am, participants will gather at Unitarian Universalists Church in Arlington for discussion, sharing and connection-building to address the issues surrounding child abuse and family violence. The […]
We’re wrapping up the first full week of Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time filled with planting pinwheel gardens to raise awareness, providing prevention trainings with partners in Alexandria and sharing our Kids Need Connections campaign materials with thousands across the region. But it’s important we pause in our hectic schedules to remember why we do […]
Every spring, SCAN celebrates five individuals from each region of Northern Virginia at its annual Allies in Prevention Awards Luncheon. The award winners (there have been more than 60 since the awards began in 2003!) have come from all walks of life — from social workers and foster parents to judges and doctors — and each have […]
March 23, 2015 On March 25th, before its 13th Annual Allies in Prevention Awards, SCAN will host a morning workshop led by special guest LaMar Henderson, MSW, LICSW. The workshop, which is at maximum capacity, is titled: ”Beyond Biological: Preserving the Emotional Connection Between Fathers and their Children.” Mr. Henderson will also give the Keynote Address at the […]
This month SCAN’s Allies in Prevention Coalition held a quarterly meeting with one question in mind: How can we be more intentional about making the time and effort to connect with the kids in our lives? As discussion continued, it became clear that as resource providers, we think about this almost constantly. But we’re thinking […]
This fall, SCAN published its first white paper for child and family welfare professionals. A resource focused on building resiliency in children through books, it includes research, directives, references and calls to action. It is the next step in a multi-year initiative to use SCAN’s “Kids Need Connections” campaign to educate and empower local parents […]
The newest data from Kids Count, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, is nothing short of staggering. There are so many factors to consider when service providers are trying to use best practices to help children grow up in safe, stable, nurturing homes. Or, when granting organizations and foundations are trying to determine […]
Ever since launching our Kids Need Connections campaign last spring, we’ve had countless discussions with service providers, families and staff about how to build the connections that we know are so critical for happy, healthy and safe children. One of the tools we’ve developed is a series of Children’s Stories that Build Resiliency, a list of children’s books with questions to […]
April 1, 2014 SCAN launched a brand new community education campaign on the first day of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Kids Need Connections (or in Spanish, Los Niños Necesitan Conexiones) is a message focused on the fact that when children have strong, healthy relationships with nurturing adults, they are more likely to be safer, stronger […]