Resiliency resources

Coalition’s Resilience Strategies and Programs: Handle with Care: The Northland Handle with Care initiative improves communication between first responders and schools in Clay, Platte, and Ray Counties. First responders are trained to note when children are present at the scene of a call and then simply submit a Handle with Care alert using only the address of the child (no names are given). This alert initiates a “Handle with Care” notification to a designated person at the appropriate school district. School district personnel are trained on the impact of trauma and follow a simple protocol of notifying appropriate staff, providing additional observation, and offering extra support. No direct action is taken with the child unless warranted. For additional information, or to get involved in our KC Northland program, contact Deborah at deborahn@tri-countymhs.org.

Roots of Resilience Action Guide: The Roots of Resilience Action Guide is a small group study guide designed to help individuals learn, discuss, and plan next steps for building resilience in youth. Download a copy of the Action Guide here or contact us to inquire about facilitation dfcsmithvillecia@gmail.com.

Resilience Trainings/Presentations: Every adult can help build resilience in youth and we want to help inspire and encourage adults to take action. Request a training on resilience for your already gathered audience (church, workplace, community group, staff meeting) dfcsmithvillecia@gmail.com.

Further Learning: There are multiple resilience building models that inform the information above and guides our coalition work. For further reading, check out:

Building Resilience Through Developmental Assets The Search Institute, through decades of research, has identified 40 assets that help contribute to a child's healthy development. Development Assets are factors that make it more likely that a child will be successful academically, socially, and behaviorally. The more of these assets that youth have, the less likely they are to engage in a variety of negative behaviors including substance use and violence. Likewise, the more of these assets that youth have, the more likely they are to show “thriving indicators” such as succeeding in school, helping others, and overcoming adversity.* By being aware of these factors, you can help build them in your own children and children around you. * “Current Research on Developmental Assets.” Search Institute, 2019, www.search-institute.org/our-research/development-assets/current-research-developmental-assets/.

Building Resilience through HOPE HOPE- Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences is a resilience framework that values the importance of positive experiences. HOPE works to shift the focus from one that is negative or deficit based to one that identifies, promotes and celebrates access to positive childhood experiences. The four Building Blocks of HOPE include 1) Relationships that are Safe and Supportive, 2) Safe, Stable and Equitable Environments to live, learn and play, 3) Social and Civic Engagement that leads to mattering and belonging, and 4) Opportunities for Emotional Growth. Check out the HOPE Resource Library for additional research, fact sheets, presentations, and media.