Changing Minds: Preventing and Healing Childhood Trauma
There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.
–Nelson Mandela
Every child needs access to the opportunities that prepare him or her to compete in the changing economies and realities of the 21st century. Unfortunately, for too many children, exposure to violence and traumatic events in the home, school, or community can affect them throughout their entire lives.
We are thrilled to release this brand new guide that is part of the solution: Changing Minds: Preventing and Healing Childhood Trauma State Policy Guide.
Last summer, we gathered with 40 state and local leaders, federal partners, philanthropy, and national stakeholders to exchange policy approaches and craft a framework for preventing childhood trauma.
This guide is a result of that summer meeting – a guide that addresses how health, education, child welfare, justice, and child development organizations can further the prevention and healing of childhood trauma at the state level through both legislation and administrative action.
The policy guide suggests very specific strategies within five goals for action:
- State-level Collaboration and Accountability
- Innovation and Learning
- Workforce Training and Wellness
- Prevention and Service Capacity
- Race and Gender Equity
States are well-positioned to be the difference between the life-long poor outcomes research indicates flow from experiencing violence and the opportunity to prevent and heal child trauma so children are safe, healthy, and successful.
We recognize that we are early in this journey. Without a doubt, there are lessons to learn and share as we travel the road together. If you would like to learn about efforts in other states, reach out to us at info@futureswithoutviolence.org with subject line “Changing Minds: Preventing and Healing Childhood Trauma State Policy.”
Together, we can prevent and heal childhood trauma.
Funded in part by the California Endowment, Blue Shield of California Foundation, and the John and Lisa Pritzker Foundation
