April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a national month dedicated to recognizing the ways that people can get involved in the healthy development of children. Prevent Child Abuse America and Minnesota Communities Caring for Children are spreading the message that everyone plays a role in helping great childhoods happen. Get involved with child abuse prevention by taking part in activities like mentoring children and parents, advocating for family-friendly policies, and donating time and...

Growing up in today's world is NOT easy. I have heard hundreds of students tell me this. Despite this fact, many of them have also told me that many of the adults in their lives don't seem to understand this, including parents, teachers, and society. Adults who are disconnected from the reality of the lives of the youth that they are around will not be able to completely understand how to provide the support that might be needed for those youth needing it most. I recently met a young woman...

As of April 1, Crisis Text Line is offering Text-based suicide prevention services across Minnesota. People who text MN to 741741 will be connected with a counselor who will help defuse the crisis and connect the texter to local resources. Crisis Text Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Now we need your help in getting the word out! Online we have a range of resources to promote this important program: Website banner ads Print-ready postcards Flyers Sample copy These are all...

Today April 3, KPJR Films will be holding a free online screening of RESILIENCE . Following the film there will be a twitter chat on the topic of ACEs and prevention from 8pm ET-9pm ET. Share your thoughts or pose questions you may have by using the hashtag #ResilienceReset and by following @DocResilience. Join the conversation with a panel of experts including Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Jane Stevens, and our own Dr. Bart Klika. If you're interested in registering for the free screening of...

With Lowell Johnson, ACEs Resiliency Coalition; Emily Clary, Minnesota Communities Caring for Children Learn about significant progress being made in reducing the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and early childhood trauma, through examples of some of the successes that three communities experienced in Washington State, and sharing conversations with people doing this work in Washington State. Watch the full webinar here

The Center for Advance Studies in Child Welfare has created a video training for professionals and organizations working with American Indian communities. Featured presenters include Terry Cross, Sandy White Hawk, Bryan Blackhawk, and Rachel Banks Kupcho. The sections of the video training are: Introduction to the Relational Worldview The Relational Worldview as a critical thinking tool Taking the Relational Worldview to the organizational level History of colonialism Manifestations of...

Friday, March 23, 2018, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Saint Paul. STAR-Lite is a single-day evidence-based training integrating neuropsychology, trauma healing and resilience, restorative justice, nonviolent conflict transformation, and broadly defined spirituality. Everyone is welcome to join us at this free training that is paid for by generous grants from The Saint Paul Foundation and the F. R. Bigelow Foundation. Space is limited to 60. Optional CEs and CLEs available for a small fee.

A huge congratulations to Shannon Geshick who is a Parent Leadership for Child Safety and Permanency (PLCSP) Team graduate. The PLCSP team empowers parents to affect change in their homes, communities, and MN systems. Congratulations to the American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund (AIFEP) grantees! AIFEP strives to reverse the social, educational and economic challenges facing American Indians by investing in human capital, skills and cultural strengths through three priority areas:...

On this episode of Lakeland Currents, we spotlight a Bemidji-based nonprofit that has been working to build peace skills throughout the region. From social and emotional learning skills to mindfulness training to presentations on cultural responsiveness, Peacemaker Resources aims to foster communication, compassion, and connection to build respectful relationships and healthier communities. The organization has a range of programs and services available, each with its own targeted audience...

With Mary Weaver, Director of Prevention Initiatives in Northern MN at MN Communities Caring for Children Brain development in infancy and early childhood is the foundation for a child's future development. Experiences teach the brain what to expect and how to respond. Trauma in early childhood teaches the brain to always be responding to threats. The webinar goes over how early trauma impacts brain development, then discusses ideas, techniques, and accommodations for supporting children...

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, so Imagine if... all parents had the knowledge and skills to nurture their children. In just one hour, YOU can help us support and empower parents to be the best caregivers they can be. The Imagine if... Breakfast is an opportunity to be a part of MCCC's life-changing work and support Minnesota families on their paths toward resiliency. You will hear from program participants and see the impact we are having on the lives of parents and...

16th Annual Minnesota Pinwheels for Prevention Awards April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! Each year, we spotlight tribes and communities statewide that have consistently worked to create safe and healthy environments for children. The Pinwheels for Prevention Award recognizes their commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect through collaborative efforts. Work at the community level is crucial for ensuring that Minnesota families and children are able to thrive. Please submit...