How to share the HOPE framework with others
What makes up the HOPE framework and how do you introduce it to others? We have broken down key phrases and concepts about the HOPE framework and our goals at the HOPE National Resource Center.
When families, professionals, communities, and organizations use the HOPE framework to promote positive childhood experiences (PCEs) in their lives and work, they can create a lasting positive impact on children’s growth into healthy, resilient adults. The HOPE National Resource Center is growing a movement to spread the practice of PCEs across the country and the world.
Whether it is your first conversation about the HOPE framework with a friend or colleague, or you are asking your organization’s leadership to start HOPE training for staff, understanding the core components of the HOPE framework is key to spreading PCEs.
Key phrases and concepts of the HOPE framework
The HOPE framework
The HOPE framework is a strengths-based, flexible approach to supporting children and families by prioritizing the promotion of PCEs. While many models and frameworks also celebrate strengths and promote holistic views of people, the HOPE framework offers a complete approach to practicing PCEs.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, negatively impact our physical, mental, and behavioral health. The original study on ACEs published in 1998 helped launch the field of trauma-informed care.
Positive childhood experiences (PCEs)
PCEs help our brains heal from trauma and allow us to build resilience. In 2019, HOPE Director Robert Sege, MD PhD and his colleagues published the seminal study where they found that PCEs can promote well-being even when people have experienced ACEs.
The Four Building Blocks of HOPE
The Four Building Blocks of HOPE is an accessible way of talking about key types of PCEs into four broad, important categories. They help us understand which PCEs are flourishing in a family or community and where there are barriers.
The Building Blocks are not specific criteria for how to correctly practice PCEs. They are general categories where many experiences can fit in. It is up to each person, community, and culture to determine what each Building Block uniquely means to them:
- Safe and supportive relationships
- Safe, stable, equitable environments
- Opportunities for engagement
- Opportunities for emotional growth
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey Studies
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey Studies (BRFSS) are surveys conducted by each U.S. state with support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Researchers call homes and ask adults questions about their demography, their current health and well-being, and their childhood. HOPE published studies in 2015 and most recently in 2024 using BRFSS data that included questions on PCEs. The 2024 publication was the biggest study on PCEs done among U.S. adults, showing majority of adult’s experienced PCEs. However, it was also found that access to PCEs was not equitable across several minority demographics, highlighting the importance of advocacy around equitable access to PCEs and the Building Blocks.
HOPE National Resource Center
The HOPE National Resource Center offers research, resources, and training and technical assistance centered around the practice of PCEs and the HOPE framework. We offer keynote presentations, training workshops, and four certification programs that progressively train individuals and organizations to implement the HOPE framework into their work:
Implementing change through the HOPE framework is easier with leadership buy-in
The HOPE framework can be incorporated into organizations in many ways, whether through organization-wide training or completion of the HOPE-Informed Organizational Certification. Leadership buy-in is key to making lasting changes that positively impact children and families.
