NCJ Number
248606
Date Published
November 2006
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the promising practices that the 11 demonstration sites had developed after full implementation of the Safe Start Demonstration Project, which was established to improve the identification of and services for young children exposed to violence in their homes and communities.
Abstract
For the purpose of this report, a "practice" is defined as "an activity used by a site in the pursuit of improved outcomes for children exposed to violence." A "promising practice" must meet four criteria: 1) produce preliminary evidence of effectiveness in local practices and activities (not necessarily across the initiative); 2) successful use in at least one of the 11 demonstration sites; 3) the potential for replication; and 4) an improvement over previous practices. Eight promising practices were identified as being implemented at one or more of the demonstration sites. These promising practices are 1) data-based decision-making; 2) improving the capacity to collaborate among community organizations with a stake in identifying and serving children exposed to violence, along with their families; 3) increasing awareness of children exposed to violence; 4) launching outreach into communities; 5) increasing the identification and referrals of children exposed to violence; 6) engaging and retaining in services children exposed to violence as well as their families; 7) improving court responses to children exposed to violence; and 8) sustainability. The features of each of these promising practices are described, along with the methods used to identify these practices. Appendixes contain a promising practice data matrix and ideas for outreach and education products.
Date Published: November 1, 2006