The Science of Scale for Violence Prevention: A New Agenda for Family Strengthening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Ending all violence against children by 2030 is a core part of Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16. A number of promising violence reduction strategies have been identified in research studies. However, we lack an understanding of the implementation and impact of these programs in respect to their delivery at a large scale or within existing service systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We advocate for greater collaboration between researchers, policymakers, donors, governments, non-governmental organizations, and program managers and staff to study how violence prevention programs operate on a large scale. We describe a new initiative aiming to foster such collaborations in the field of family strengthening programs.

Cultural Values and Practice When Serving Children, Youth, and Families

Three case studies will be shared in this paper in the context of organizational values and practices implemented at the PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families, located in Annandale, VA. The youth voices integrated in the case studies provide reasons for participating in special education and family strengthening programs. An overview of services and support received is given. Key challenges, successes, and emerging outcomes are considered. This study provides information on how to make organizational and cultural values come to life and how to recognize the positive youth development practices in special education and family strengthening services. This study also includes information on those working with crossover youth in special education day schools and family strengthening programs.