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A strengths-based approach to talking with families about domestic violence requires trust and mutual respect between Head Start program staff and families. There are many best practices programs can use to respond to suspected or disclosed domestic violence.

Join the Office of Head Start (OHS) for a discussion and question and answer (Q&A) session on related issues. Participants will hear from experts, engage in peer dialogue, and explore strategies for current and future Head Start programming.

Presenters: 

• Kiersten Beigel, MSW, family and community partnerships specialist, OHS
• Brandi Black Thacker, MA, MSW, director of training and technical assistance, National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (NCPFCE)
• Virginia Duplessis, MSW, NCPFCE; program director on health team, Futures Without Violence
• Amy Hunter, LICSW, National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness (NCECHW); assistant professor, Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University
• Neal Horen, PhD, NCECHW; director of early childhood, Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University

Additional Resources

What Is Domestic Violence?
Use this resource to learn what domestic violence is and how it affects children and families. Learn where to find resources for children and families experiencing domestic violence.

Silent Realities: Supporting Young Children and Their Families Who Experience Violence
Older children and adults are affected by exposure to violence and often lack the ability to cope. Learn ways to design programs to help children cope with traumatic events.

Implementing Universal Education Strategies on Domestic Violence in Head Start Programs
There are four elements needed to have an effective conversation with families about their abusive experiences: confidentiality, universal education, empowerment, and support (CUES). Explore this resource to learn about CUES, the evidence-based intervention that can be implemented to prevent and respond to domestic violence.

Tips for Responding to Disclosures About Domestic Violence
Use this resource to find ways to support people who have disclosed or shared their experiences of violence. There are no "perfect words" to say. The key is to simply listen, convey empathy, and offer support.

Twelve Ways Parents Can Help Young Children Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence Heal
Raising children can be hard for parents. It may be even harder when a family has experienced domestic violence. Use this resource to help parents build a connection with their child and help them to feel loved.

Families Thrive, Zero to Five Safety Card
Explore this educational card to learn what makes a healthy relationship. Find out about relationship safety and supportive resources.

Sample Memorandum of Understanding Between Head Start and Domestic Violence Programs
Learn more about the benefits of community partnerships. Use the sample memorandum of understanding (MOU) as a guide to develop MOUs for your program based on the needs of your families and community.

Head Start Heals Campaign

Find more trauma resources and strategies about Head Start Heals on the ECLKC. Program managers can use these resources to design quality improvements for their programs. Direct service staff can use promoted strategies to assist the children and families they serve. Join the conversation on social media using #HeadStartHeals.

In the coming weeks, Head Start Heals will present the following webinars and office hours:

Monday, May 4, 2020, 1–2 p.m. ET – Building Resilience in the Face of Trauma and Adversity
Tuesday, May 5, 2020, 3–4:45 p.m. ET – Promoting Healing and Resilience with Staff and Families
Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 2–3:30 p.m. ET – Addressing Trauma in Classroom Settings
Thursday, May 21, 2020, 1–2 p.m. ET – Head Start Heals Office Hours: Supporting Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorders
Thursday, May 28, 2020, 3–4 p.m. ET – Head Start Heals Office Hours: Family Engagement and Child Welfare
Thursday, June 11, 2020, 3–4 p.m. ET – Preparing for Challenging Conversations with Families
All events listed above will be available both as live events and on-demand for two weeks following the event. They will also be posted to the ECLKC 10-15 days after the live webinar.

Questions?

Send your trauma-related questions or comments to [email protected].

For more information about registering for the event, access, alternate phone lines, and certificates, contact [email protected].