Using family strengthening strategies as an innovative practice towards reducing family violence and promoting healing and wellness due to trauma

One strategy used to engage parents in a federally funded project called Project LAUNCH is family strengthening activities. As one of five key strategies for this program, Family Strengthening activities included an evidence-informed parent education program called Chicago Parent Program, a parent networking activity called Parent Cafes, and parent leadership trainings as well coaching of parent leaders. Oftentimes, projects limit family strengthening activities to parent education programs. However, over many years of working with families in communities with high rates of community violence, family violence and historical trauma such as racism, and deportation, it was discovered that it is important for families to receive opportunities to get out of isolation (through parent café discussions) as well as explore opportunities to advocate for themselves and their families (through parent leadership opportunities) and get support and guidance by experienced and skilled parent leadership trainers (through parent coaching). This approach has been effective in showing improvements in the lives of women in treatment, the incarcerated as well as women who have experienced childhood trauma who are caring for young children. Results of these approaches and how they work in combination to promote healing and wellness in communities with high levels of trauma and violence will be discussed.