Expand evidence-based services to develop and support healthy families and prevent victimization

Goal 2. A Healthy and Safe City
Description

In an effort to provide services that promote community resilience, stable families and healthy development of children, the Human Services Department seeks to implement programs and services that have proven their effectiveness in other communities using best practice approaches. Expanding evidence-based programs in the Charlottesville community will develop and support healthy families and prevent victimization. The Department of Social Services continues to increase our capacity to use a Family Finding service model, and is committed to evidenced based and best practices to ensure safety, permanency and well-being for children and vulnerable adults in our community. The Human Service Department is also committed to expanding these programs. Staff within the Department of Human Services are being trained in in two new evidence-based approaches in Fall 2017: Family Check-Up, Girls Circle,  and Thinking for a Change. In addition, the Teens Give service learning program is being formally evaluated by the University of Virginia.

Why and What it Achieves

Evidence-based programs are programs that are proven successful for a particular population through a rigorous evaluation process. Expanding evidence-based programs in the Charlottesville community will develop and support healthy families and prevent victimization. Expected outcomes include improved family functioning, reduced contact with formal systems of care including juvenile justice and child welfare, and decreased need for out of home or community services.

Status

The Department of Human Services staff have been trained in three new evidence-based programs: Thinking for a Change, Girls Circle and Family Check-Up to improve outcomes for families engaged in services. All three programs are currently operating.