The HOPE framework as a prevention strategy
The HOPE framework is a versatile strategy for providing the key types of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) all children need to thrive, preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), healing from ACEs if they do occur, and even providing PCEs regardless of the presence of ACEs. HOPE is an important tool in prevention workers’ toolbelts, as the Four Building Blocks of HOPE support children in developing strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and feelings of self-worth, all of which lead to the development of healthy resilience.
Why prioritizing prevention matters
Adverse Childhood Experiences are known to have a negative effect on mental, behavioral, and physical health if left alone. Individuals who experience ACEs are more likely to use substances, have unintended pregnancies, have lower annual incomes, and struggle with mental health diagnoses. ACEs are not one’s destiny.
As the late, great Carl Bell once said, “Risk Factors are not Predictive Factors because of Protective Factors.”
The key types of positive childhood experiences that are baked into the HOPE framework have been shown to reduce substance use across the lifespan, increase academic achievements in adolescence, improve physical health, and reduce mental health diagnoses later in life.
Using the HOPE Framework as a way to connect children and youth to protective factors – experiences that we know help a child thrive – can happen on multiple levels. HOPE can be used in one-on-one services, embedded into organizational structures and policies, and even used as a way to organize community collaboratives around a common cause.
When these structures work together to promote PCEs, it is not just children and youth who benefit from them. Prioritizing prevention benefits the whole family by making services more accessible, helping families see what is going well, and increasing their comfort and trust in the care provider and institution. Staff in organizations who practice the HOPE framework also benefit from these changes. Their jobs change from responding to what is going wrong within a family to actively promoting healing and growth. HOPE can also create a better internal culture in the workplace for staff through changes in policies and culture that emphasize the need for positive adult experiences for the workforce.
How to promote prevention in one-on-one services through HOPE
The HOPE framework provides a positive shift from only using ACEs models of care. When you screen for the Four Building Blocks of HOPE, not only are you celebrating and honoring what is going well, you can also make plans to remove barriers to positive childhood experiences so that children have more access to those key experiences that help them thrive. Children, youth, and families can leave a session or appointment knowing that they are doing well and are equipped with a plan to continue to gain more PCEs. HOPE offers several levels of training from an introduction to HOPE to advanced training and technical assistance to help incorporate these changes into direct service work.
How to promote prevention in organizations through HOPE
Organizational changes may feel separate from the direct care of children and youth, but these changes can impact their experience with the organization and the direct care they are receiving. Organizational changes can help lift unintentional barriers for those seeking services, create more capacity for staff to spend more time with each child, and promote comfort and a welcoming environment through changes to the physical space. These changes should always be made with input from the community the organization is serving. With these changes, families have better access to prevention services that are aligned with their needs.
The HOPE National Resource Center offers a HOPE-Informed Organizational Certificate that starts with an assessment of organizational policies, practices, and office culture. This certificate process offers direct technical assistance to make changes that align with the HOPE framework through an entire organization or a singular department.
We also offer two training certificates to become a HOPE Facilitator where you can bring the introduction to HOPE to your organization, and a HOPE Champion certification where you can provide technical assistance to your organization or organizations in your community
How to promote prevention in policies through HOPE
Policy work happens on two levels, organizational policies as discussed above, and local and federal policies. While state and federal laws can feel like decisions made far away from an organization, they can directly impact children and youth. State and federal policies can create barriers to services, financial aid, and even place limitations on services provided and how they are offered. These policies can be a roadblock to tools that prevent the harsh effects of ACEs and other mental health issues as children grow into adults. Advocacy, lobbying, and providing testimony can help reserve or prevent harmful laws from being enacted. These actions can also help uplift prevention practices and help establish a common use of PCEs. Learn about the different ways policies affect children and how children and youth can get involved through our weekly blog posts.
