Talking about better sparc webinar 2013-09 (2)

Ed Walz Colleen Chapman

September 16, 2013

Talking About Better

The Narrative Project

The Narrative Project

The Narrative Project

The Narrative Project

Today’s Child Welfare Conversation

Today’s Child Welfare Conversation

Today’s Child Welfare Conversation

• Focus: Child deaths and aging out

Today’s Child Welfare Conversation

• Focus: Child deaths and aging out

• Response: Firing and finger-pointing

Today’s Child Welfare Conversation

• Focus: Child deaths and aging out

• Response: Firing and finger-pointing

• Frame: Tragic failure

Today’s Child Welfare Conversation

• Focus: Child deaths and aging out

• Response: Firing and finger-pointing

• Frame: Tragic failure

• Consequence: Always on defense

Questions?

A Message vs. A Message Narrative

A Message

A Message

Don’t Cut Kids

A Message Narrative

A Message Narrative

Don’t Cut Kids

A Message Narrative

Message 2

Message 3

Message 4

Message 5

Don’t Cut Kids

A Message Narrative

Message 2

Message 3

Message 4

Message 5

Don’t Cut Kids

A Message Narrative

Message 2

Message 3

Message 4

Message 5

Don’t Cut Kids

A Message Narrative

Message 2

Message 3

Message 4

Message 5

Don’t Cut Kids

Questions?

A Child Welfare Message Narrative

The Oregon Narrative

Tweaked With SPARC States

Messages Meet the Audience Where They Are

Don’t know what we’re talking about

Don’t know what we’re talking about

Family values means protecting and nurturing our children. When it comes to child abuse and neglect, that means … 1. We’ve got to strengthen families, so we can

prevent abuse or neglect whenever possible.

2. And, when abuse or neglect happens, we must take swift but thoughtful actions that give kids the best possible chance to grow up in a safe, stable, loving, and supportive permanent home and build successful, independent adult lives.

Are focused on costs

Are focused on costs

Tough times are the most important times to protect kids

Are ready to hear solutions

We know how to make progress – let’s build on what works and fix what doesn’t

Are ready to hear solutions / Don’t believe progress is possible

We know how to make progress – let’s build on what works and fix what doesn’t

We know how to prevent these tragedies – let’s stop pointing fingers and start solving problems

Can start seeing a payoff

Can start seeing a payoff

Leadership is paying off, and things are getting better for our children & our state 1. With stronger kids, families, &

communities

2. And, with swift and thoughtful action to help abuse and neglect victims

Want to finish the job

Want to finish the job

If we maintain our commitment, we can build a state that reflects our values, where all kids are safe and have a chance to reach their potential

A Child Welfare Narrative

Family values means protecting and nurturing children

Tough times are the most important times to protect kids

We know how to make progress – let’s build on what works & fix what doesn’t

Leadership is paying off, and things are getting better

We can build a state where all kids live safe and thrive

Built for Flexibility

Built for Flexibility

Room for your policy agenda

Built for Flexibility

Room for your policy agenda

Your supporting points prove the point

Built for Flexibility

Room for your policy agenda

Your supporting points prove the point

Not a script

Questions?

Test States

In Practice – 2012 Child advocate says foster care improvements are possible in Oklahoma When it comes to child abuse and neglect, we have two basic responsibilities. We must strengthen families to prevent abuse or neglect whenever possible. And we must take swift but thoughtful actions that give kids the best possible chance to grow up in a safe, stable, loving and supportive permanent home. The Legislature is finalizing legislation to help child welfare officials make better use of the resources they have and to improve the options available to children affected by abuse or neglect. One problem we know is that state workers have too much on their plates. They must build relationships in the community — taking time and resources they don't have — before they can begin the equally challenging work of recruiting and supporting foster families and youth and then address the unique needs of each child and family.

In Practice – 2013

Questions?

Next Steps

Next Steps

1. One-on-one call

Next Steps

1. One-on-one call

2. Send us examples of your work

Next Steps

1. One-on-one call

2. Send us examples of your work

3. Send us feedback on the narrative

Next Steps

1. One-on-one call

2. Send us examples of your work

3. Send us feedback on the narrative

4. Aim to finalize in 2014

www.firstfocus.net Thank You

Ed Walz Vice President, Communications

First Focus edw@firstfocus.net

202.657.0685