01.24.2020
The California Family Support Network Merges with CFRA  
Exciting news! The California Family Support Network (CFSN), formerly known as the California Network of Family Strengthening Networks has merged with CFRA! 

Both the CFSN and CFRA have been working with a team comprised of leaders from across California for a smooth merge transition. The benefits of the merger will support the field of Family Support across the state to:
  • Align the field
  • Promote connections with leaders from across the state
  • Support, encourage and educate the field in the use of quality practices (examples include: understanding ACEs, the Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening and Support, Family Support Principles and the Five Protective Factors)
  • Increase impact by creating a system of care across the state to support continued learning, emerging trends and trust building with programs, agencies and networks that are: emerging (0-3 years), evolving (3-5 years) and established (5 or more years)
  • Have stronger strategic positioning with members, funders, and policymakers
  • Retain experts in the field
  • Increase awareness of issues that impact families to impact policy

The CFSN is a grass roots effort, established by leaders in the field of family support in early 2009, from a need in the field to promote quality practices, peer sharing/learning and provide mutual support. The CFSN at its peak had a membership that represented over a 1,000 organizations statewide.   

One of the highlights of the CFSN is the development of Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening and Support (the Standards). The Standards have now gone nationally and have been introduced in over 30 states. For more information on the Standards: https://www.nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org/standards-of-quality

In preparation for the reboot, past member networks were surveyed, and the California Family Support Network has refocused with three goals (3 C’s):
  • Connect leaders in the field of family support across the state to share current research and promote best practices, moral support and program guidance.
  • Convene leaders in order to promote effectiveness, peer learning and peer support.
  • Communicate and share updates, that support moving the field of family support forward (training, evaluation, capacity building)

While the merger connects CFSN to CFRA’s wider membership and infrastructure, CFRA will also be enlivened by the shared leadership and grassroots energy of CFSN. CFRA in turn will play a vital role for the renewed Network; the CFRA staff will serve as the “backbone” and provide leadership, fiscal, and administrative support. CFSN will join with the growing CFRA Policy Committee as a core part of the larger Association leadership. Policy and CFSN co-chairs will work with CFRA staff leadership to form a shared Leadership Team, to plan and help realize a shared future of more connection, convening, and communication for the whole Family Support field. 

A special thank you to the leadership team: Derik Aoki, Sheila Boxley, Joe Buehrle, Susan Ferdinandi, Lisa Morell Korb, Linda Joy Landry, Jamie Mauhay, Jennifer Santos and team leads Debbie Comstock and Teressa Johnes co-chairs of the CFSN, Michael Williams representing CFRA. For more information on the CFSN contact Debbie Comstock , Teressa Johnes or Michael Williams .  
Applications accepted on a rolling basis
The Well Life Foundation accepts proposals for small community projects (up to $10,000) that benefit and improve the lives of women, with a particular focus on vulnerable women such as those recovering from domestic violence or are using non-shelter community services. 

Applications due February 6 at 1pm
This funding opportunity is focused on youth from communities of color and vulnerable populations that are disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs, criminalized for substance use, and that often have less access to treatment and information about SUD supports. These include American Indian/Alaskan Native, African American, Asian-Pacific Islander, and Latinx communities in California.
CFRA's Monthly Policy Calls
Every fourth Friday of the month, CFRA updates members to discuss state and federal legislation which impacts the family strengthening field. We have representatives throughout the state to give the varying perspectives of our diverse clients and regions. To participate in our next call, click here.

Our next call is February 28, 2020.
Strategies 2.0 Learning Communities
Growing knowledge and networks for professionals working with families
You're invited to join us for any of the FREE Learning Community convenings listed below. Who should attend?
  • Professionals from social service, health, mental health, child care, child welfare, housing, veterans service, education, family resource centers, law enforcement, and other helping agencies
  • Advocates, parents, & community members who want to learn and make a difference for children and families in their region
Click  here  for more information about Strategies 2.0 and to register for the Learning Communities. Sign up for their  newsletter.
Upcoming Learning Communities
Sierra Learning Convening
Further Along the Road to Building Family, Agency, Community Resilience: Rural Policies to Improve Housing Affordability and Accessibility
Thursday, February 13, 2020. 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
In Jackson, with remote locations in Loyalton, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, and online participation available.
Northern Learning Convening
Early Childhood Mental Health: Introducing and Applying a Comprehensive Framework for Understanding Young Children's Behavior
Thursday, February 20, 2020. 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
In Lakeport, with remote locations in Redding, Eureka, Mt. Shasta, Ukiah, and online participation available.
Valley Learning Convening
Engaging Parents and Building Resilience in Your Community
Wednesday, February 26, 2020. 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
In Modesto, with remote locations in Merced, Fresno and online participation available.
SoCal Learning Convening
Lived Experience: Parent partners share their experience as family strengthening program participants
Thursday, February 27, 2020. 9:00am-12:30pm
In Anaheim, with remote locations in San Luis Obispo, Oxnard, Moreno Valley, San Diego and online participation available.

Upcoming Webinars
ACEs Connection: Growing Resilient Communities 2.1 Framework to Accelerate Your ACEs Initiative: Thursday, February 6 th , 2020
 This 90-minute professional webinar will introduce family support professionals and others to the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and look more deeply into strategies community members can utilize to accelerate local ACEs initiatives. Together we will explore the five elements of Growing Resilient Communities 2.1 Framework.
Leadership Models for Improving Impact: Tuesday, February 18 th , 2020
This 90-minute professional webinar will give additional insights into approaches to leadership that can improve outcomes. The webinar will explore how individuals in various settings can expand their capacity and effectiveness to advocate for children and families. This webinar explores various approaches to leadership and, more specifically, styles of leadership that can contribute to achieving the goals of reducing child abuse and neglect. It also has application to day-to-day decision-making and professional interactions both within and across organizations.