SAFY Emphasizes the Role of Strong Families in Building Strong Communities
Delphos, OH – As April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth, Inc. (SAFY), a leader in foster care and family supportive services with 30 locations nationwide, underscores the importance of fostering strong families to cultivate resilient communities.
Based on the latest data from the Children’s Bureau, an Office of the Administration for Children and Families, nearly 2,000 children died from abuse and neglect in the federal fiscal year 2022, with over 3 million youth involved in an investigation or alternative response by child protective services officials. According to Will Matt, CEO of SAFY, “Building strong families is the cornerstone of creating thriving communities. By investing in programs that empower families, we not only prevent instances of child abuse and neglect but also lay the foundation for a healthier and more resilient society.”
To strengthen families, we must work to build protective factors in all families. Protective factors are the strengths and resources families utilize during challenging periods to overcome life’s pressures. Vital protective factors encompass having adequate parenting and child development knowledge, parental resilience, strong social connections, and access to concrete supports. Also, acknowledging risk factors such as racism, discrimination, poverty, and other external pressures facing families every day underscores the importance of raising these protective factors to promote resilience and well-being within communities.
“As we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month, it is essential to recognize that the well-being of children is interconnected with the well-being of families and communities,” states Matt. “By working collaboratively with local partners and stakeholders, we can strengthen families, create supportive networks, and ultimately build stronger, more resilient communities.”
For more information about SAFY, its efforts to strengthen families and communities, and how you can help make an impact, please visit safy.org.
At Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY), we work with youth and families to reach their full potential, building the foundation of well-being we all need to contribute to our communities. Driven by our mission of Preserving Families and Securing Futures, SAFY has designed a service blueprint based on research addressing the roots of trauma while effecting lasting change. Our model of care includes family preservation, reunification, behavioral health, and foster care and adoption services when needed. This solid structure offers the tools to develop and maintain stable mental, physical, and emotional foundations to weather the storms where they are – home, school, work, or community.
