New York State Parenting Education Partnership

Fall 2009 Meeting

September 25, 2009, 9:30am – 3:30-m

NYS Nurse’s Association (Latham, NY)

Susan Perkins: Welcome

Susan Perkins welcomed NYSPEP members and thanked volunteers. Susan noted the
400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s journey up the Hudson River, and Barbara
Walter’s 80th birthday.

Susan introduced Fred Bolton, SUNY Albany’s guest, who’s been doing research on
children’s trauma and educational absenteeism in Mesa County, Colorado.

Susan introduced the conveners: Susan Perkins and Bob Frawley from the New York
State Council on Children and Families, Mary McHugh and Eileen Myers from the New
York State Office of Mental Health, Judy Richards from the New York State Children
and Family Trust Fund of the Office of Children and Family Services, and Chris Deyss
and Michelle Gross of Prevent Child Abuse New York.

Susan introduced the Steering Committee: Kenneth Braswell of the New York State
Fatherhood Initiative at the Office of Temporary and Disability Services, Daphnne
Brown of Families Together in New York State, Judy Nordstrom of T.E.P.E. Training
Institute, Wyn Frechette of the Lakeside Family Resource Center, Heather Paradis of
the University at Rochester, Mary Collier of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse Services, Meg Akabas of Parenting Solutions, Mary Haust of Parents
as Teachers, Dona Anderson of Homes for the Homeless, Dawn Brucie of ProAction of
Steuben and Yates, Vito Borello of Every Person Influences Children (EPIC), and Andre
Eaton of the Parent-Child Home Program.

Susan introduced the Management Team: Judy Richards, Susan Perkins, Michelle
Gross, and also Liz Hood of the Office of Educational Television and Public
Broadcasting at the New York State Education Department.

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Susan described the materials in the participant packets: A listing of the Steering
Committee, Conveners, and Management Team; an agenda; a grid of parenting
education curriculum; and two evaluations of NYSPEP and the NYSPEP meeting.

Susan described the agenda, and introduced Chris Deyss.

Chris Deyss: Introduction of Meredith Wiley

Chris introduced Meredith Wiley, noting Meredith’s authorship of Ghosts from the
Nursery. Meredith is the State Director of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids New York, a
“crime-fighting” organization that fights crime by ensuring that kids have what they need.

Meredith Wiley’s Presentation

Meredith Wiley, State Director at Fight Crime: Invest in Kids New York, presented on
the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study and the importance of investing early in
prevention.

Meredith thanked attendees for their work and dedication to children. She noted, “The
most important job on the planet is working with parents.”

Meredith described Fight Crime: Invest in Kids New York and the work that they do.
More information on Fight Crime can be found online at:
http://www.fightcrime.org/ny/index.php

Next, Meredith told the story of Buckminster Fuller and his “trim tab” theory. The trim
tab is a very small tab on the rudder of a large warship. The trim tab makes changing
course exceptionally easy (minimal amount of effort) as opposed to the former process
(needing several strong men to turn the rudder). The early brain development period is
the greatest trim tab that we have to steer children and families on a positive life course.

“Violence begins in the brain, and the brain begins in the womb,” noted Meredith. Early
childhood abuse and neglect can dissolve a lifetime of potential. Meredith described the
changes in children’s brains as a result of trauma (maltreatment).

Meredith told the story of her grandson, Lewis, and her daughter, Caroline. The story
begins with Caroline’s healthy pregnancy, and the difficulties that Caroline faced after
his birth. Their journey toward helping Lewis’s healthy development is remarkable and
demonstrates the necessity of investing in prenatal and infancy programs to support
prevention – especially considering Caroline’s access to information and supports
(involved and supportive social network, access to quality healthcare, education, etc.).

“Social and emotional development are more important and accurate indicators of
school success than early recognition of letters or colors,” said Meredith. Maltreatment,
and the emotion of fear, can lead to a lifetime of violence, health issues and concerns,
emotional disease, and other obstacles.

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Meredith referenced the Genome Project, which demonstrates the effect of emotions on
the brain and our genetic makeup. More information on the Genome Project can be
found online at: http://www.genome.gov/10001772 and at:
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml

Dismissing the “resilient children” theory, Meredith noted that while children may appear
resilient or unscathed by trauma, they do suffer long-term health and emotional affects.

Meredith’s new book, co-authored by Robin Karr, titled, “Monsters in the Closet,” is
focused on early childhood trauma and its lifetime affects. The book is motivated by the
studies of Dr. Vincent Felliti and Dr. Robert Anda, specifically the paper, “Turning Gold
Into Lead.” This study is available online at: http://www.acestudy.org/aboutus.html

Further, Meredith discussed Dr. James Heckman’s work on the economics of early
childhood. More information on his research can be found online at:
http://jenni.uchicago.edu/human-inequality/

Other research presented by Meredith can be found online. For the costs of child abuse
and neglect to New York, visit http://www.preventchildabuseny.org/advocacy/ and for
information on the rate of citizens in prison in the United States can be found at
http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/news_room_detail.aspx?id=35912.

Further, the research done by SUNY Albany’s special guest, Fred Bolton, can be found
online at: http://www.mesa.k12.co.us/2003/Departments/Attendance/index.cfm.

Meredith concluded with a personal statement that her daughter, Caroline, and
grandson, Lewis, would never have found the success they have without the supports of
family, friends, and local services. It’s imperative that parents have access to home
visitation, parenting education, and other important early services that support and
coach parents.

“Prevention is clearly worth the costs.”

Question and Answers

Q: Are there any longitudinal studies that show that prevention (early intervention) has
affects on child and parental outcomes?
A: Yes! Particularly in home visitation, but also in other areas. Some of these studies
can be found online on the following websites:
o http://www.fightcrime.org/research.php
o http://www.promisingpractices.net/
o http://www.cachildwelfareclearinghouse.org
o http://www2.dsgonline.com/mpg/program_types_definitions.aspx
o http://nrepp.samhsa.gov/
o http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/blueprints/modelprograms.html

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 o http://www.nursefamilypartnership.org/content/index.cfm?fuseaction=showConte
nt&contentID=4&navID=4
o http://www.healthyfamiliesnewyork.org/research.cfm
o http://www.parent-child.org/research/index.html
o http://www.preknow.org/resource/reports/index.cfm
o http://member.preventchildabuse.org/site/PageServer?pagename=research_inde
x

Q: How can you work with the children, if we need to first deal with the parents’ ACEs?
A: You can’t, you have to work with the family.

Q: There’s a stigma on parenting education or prevention programs, such as there was

previously for pre-school. How do you overcome this barrier?
A: All parents can benefit from programs, though of course parents will need different
levels of resources depending on their need. But a universal approach for entry-level
will help to remove stigma, and also help programs find families that do need help
through a non-intrusive method.

Q: What are the differences in research between those families who are first-time
parents and those that receive programs after their second or third child.
A: While the research may still be out, it does become harder as parenting practices
are already ingrained. You are most effective (your dollar is best invested) in working
with first-time parents. However, there are still significant positive outcomes with
second or third time mothers and families.

Special Announcements

On October 6th, Rachel Simmons will be speaking at the Troy Music Hall in Troy, NY.
Ms. Simmons is the author of, “Odd Girl Out.” The event is hosted by the Women’s
Fund of the Capital Region, and is $20 per person, or $10 per person for girls under the
age of 19. For more information, visit: http://www.womensfundcr.org/Rachel-
Simmons-Oct-6-2009.shtml

Katherine Jetter (WMHT) announced that WMHT was awarded one of six national
grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to begin a statewide planning
project around integrating PBS kids’ resources into communities across the state. Stay
tuned for more information!

Mary Collier (NYS OASAS) announced the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers
Child Welfare Summit, “Improving Quality of Life for Families of Children, November 9th
and 10th in Syracuse. For more information, visit: http://www.asapnys.org

Dona Anderson (Homes for the Homeless and the Institute for Children and Poverty)
announced the ICP conference, “Children, Poverty, and Homelessness,” January 20th
and 21st in Philadelphia. For more information, visit:
http://www.icpny.org/conference2010/

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Lorraine McMullin (Mental Health Association in New York State) announced that
MHANYS has received a large grant to support parents with psychiatric disabilities.
Stay tuned for more!

Andre Eaton (Parent-Child Home Program) announced the October 16th Education
Begins at Home Home Visiting Coalition meeting in Rochester. For more information,
contact Andre Eaton at aeaton@parent-child.org.

Liz Hood announced that NYSPEP is considering the creation of a networking site for
the partnership.

Susan Perkins announced that Dr. Bruce Perry will be a keynote speaker at the 2010
New York State Child Abuse Prevention Conference, held yearly in April, and hosted by
Prevent Child Abuse New York and the New York State Children and Family Trust
Fund.

Susan Perkins introduced Heather Larkin of the State University of New York at
Albany’s School of Social Welfare, who is spearheading the ACEs Think Tank in New
York State.

Heather Larkin’s Presentation

Dr. Heather Larkin, Associate Professor at the State University of New York at Albany’s
School of Social Welfare presented on the ACEs Think Tank work.

Heather summarized the Adverse Childhood Experience Study and her work with Dr.
Robert Anda and Dr. Vincent Fellitti.

Further, Heather has been studying the affect of ACEs on homelessness, and has
noted that, “Virtually every study shows that ACEs are strong predictors of
homelessness,” according to Dr. Martha Burt. Dr. Burt’s research summary can be
found online at: http://www.urban.org/publications/310305.html

It’s important not only to incorporate an understanding of ACEs into the work of
assisting homeless individuals, but also to better prevent the issue altogether.

Heather discussed the goals of the SUNY Albany Think Tank, including: enhancing our
understanding of ACEs, integrating with literature on resiliency and protective factors,
prevention and intervention for each Ace outcome, and supporting systems
transformation.

The ACEs Think Tank will be “putting the pieces of the puzzle together” through
quarterly meetings in Albany, and facilitated workgroups. For more information, email
Heather Larkin at HLarkin@uamail.albany.edu

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At previous meetings, the Think Tank has hosted Dr. Anda and Dr. Fellitti, as well as Dr.
Fred Bolton.

The New York State Council on Children and Families has recently funded adding
ACEs-related questions on the state’s omnibus survey. Further discussion is ongoing
regarding a multi-state ACEs learning community, as well as an add to the state’s
behavioral risk factor surveillance survey.

Question and Answers

Q: With the intervention of ACEs questions to various surveys, who is surveyed? What
about integrating it into the youth risk behavior survey?
A: It’s retrospective data, asking adults about their experiences as children. They are
also working on getting it onto the youth risk behavior survey.

Q: Do you find a difference among multiple age cohorts in responses to the ACEs
questions?
A: No specifically, though we’d have to return to the research. The original study did
not find changes in behavior as a result of changes in norms or mores. Perhaps we can
go back and look at this data. Heather can send the study on the ACEs cohorts to the
questioner.

Susan introduced Judy Nordstrom, who is spearheading the Professional Development

and Networking’s Workgroup’s Credentialing Subcommittee.

Judy Nordstrom’s Presentation

Judy Nordstrom, Founder and Lead Educator at the T.E.P.E. Training Institute,
presented on professional development and credentialing for parenting educators.

“The work that we do matters,” Judy said. She told a personal story of her passion and
dedication to parenting education. She also thanked Wyn Frechette and Judy Wolf for
their input to her work on credentialing.

Judy discussed the need for core competencies in parenting educator’s professional
development. The field, as it is currently organized (or rather disorganized), parenting
educators are not always properly prepared or supported in their work.

Further, Judy emphasized the need for a code of ethics/principles for parenting
educators in working with families, as well as a definition of a career ladder to
encourage parenting educators remaining on the front lines. Traditionally, the only
“promotion” that a parenting educator could receive is into management.
Judy promoted the value of a credentialing process. By providing this standard, we can
further enhance parents’ use of the service.

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Judy listed what “we want to achieve,” including: multi-disciplinary accountability,
certification that’s reflective of varying levels of complexity, voluntary, and inclusive
(representing multiple disciplines, foundational theories, represents both “content” and
“process,” and offers balance between education, training, and experience).

Wyn Frechette mentioned that we did five focus groups with parenting educators on the
topic of certification and the need for it. Approximately 150 individuals participated.

Finally, Judy described the chart included in the participant’s packets, which outlines a
first draft proposal for the credentialing of parenting educators in New York State.

Questions were posed for feedback, including:

o Have we captured the correct “core content?”
o Are we missing any processes – where might they belong?
o What additional factors might be considered for inclusion in certification process?

For more information on the National Extension Parenting Educator’s Framework is

available online at: http://www1.cyfernet.org/ncsu_fcs/NEPEF/index.htm

For more information on the National Parenting Education Network, visit:

http://www.npen.org.

Judy has asked that presentations referencing professional development be posted on

the website.

Susan Perkins introduced Mary McHugh of the New York State Office of Mental Health,
who’s coordinating the Children’s Plan, and Bob Frawley, of the New York State Council
on Children and Families, who’s coordinating projects like the Early Childhood Advisory
Council and the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Plan.

Mary McHugh’s Presentation

Mary McHugh, of the New York State Office for Mental Health, presented on the
Children’s Plan and its connection to parenting education.

“One out of ten children have serious emotional disturbance, and one in five have social
emotional difficulties. Yet, only 20% receive treatment,” said Mary. Further, the
expulsion rates for children in pre-k is 3.2 times what it is for grades K-12.

The historical response has been of late intervention, rather than early intervention or
prevention. Mental illness continues as the leading cause of long-term disability in the
United States.

“Sometimes a Walmart concept is a good idea,” Mary repeated. It’s important to

collaborate, and provide families with high-quality services in the opposite of a silo
system. This will result in better outcomes for families, as well as reduced costs.

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“Children and families will work at their potential when we, ourselves, reach ours.”

The Children’s Plan is a vehicle to do this work, with a focus on social and emotional
development. The vision is “each young person being fully prepared for adulthood with
a supportive family and community, effective school, and high quality healthcare.”

Mary described the direction of the Plan, and its underlying values:
o Social and emotional development and learning form a foundation for success in
school, life, and work.
o Every action should strengthen our capacity to engage and support families in
raising children and youth with emotional health and resilience.
o The right service, at the right time, in the right amount.
o One family, one plan.
o An adequately sized workforce that is culturally competent and steeped in a new
paradigm of integrated, family-driven are must be developed and sustained.

There will be presentations on social and emotional development and the Children’s
Plan throughout the state. The first on November 5th in Syracuse, then December 11th
in New York City, and later in Buffalo. More information to come.

The Children’s Plan can be downloaded online by visiting:

http://www.omh.state.ny.us/omhweb/engage/

Bob Frawley’s Presentation

Bob Frawley, Executive Deputy Director of the New York State Council on Children and
Families, presented a “state of the state” on New York’s children and statewide
initiatives.

Bob described the work of the New York State Council on Children and Families. For
more information, you can visit their website online at: http://www.ccf.state.ny.us/

The Council coordinates a number of interagency initiatives, including the Children’s

Cabinet, which is focusing on universal pre-kindergarten, children’s healthcare, and
disconnected youth. More information on the Children’s Cabinet can be found online at:
http://www.ccf.state.ny.us/Initiatives/CabHome.htm

The Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) was created as a result of the
reauthorization of the Federal Head Start Act. “This is a group that was developed not
to plan, but to do,” said Bob. They have a focus on the Winning Beginning Action Plan,
the Children’s Plan, and the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Plan (ECCS,
available online at: http://www.ccf.state.ny.us/Initiatives/EccsHome.htm). The ECCS
Plan was the precipitous for NYSPEP’s creation. More information on the ECAC can be
found online at: http://www.ccf.state.ny.us/Initiatives/ECACHome.htm.

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Further, the ECAC is divided into four workgroups: The Quality Improvement
Workgroup is looking at the quality of services, and ensuring high-quality supports and
services for families and children. The Workforce Development Workgroup is looking at
the professionalism and education of those working with families. The Capacity
Building Workgroup is considering a number of issues, including the linkage of currently
operating services and collaborations to the ECAC. Finally, the Finance Workgroup is
looking at the economics of early childhood.

Fortunately, New York received funding for the work of the ECAC and other important
projects for children and families.

Questions and Answers

Q: Thank you for making the connection with social and emotional development. It’s
very important in schools since there are significant numbers of children with difficulties
in these areas.
A: Yes, this is important! Cross-systems work must occur. And we must provide
alternatives for schools to help them better engage these children in learning and assist
their families with out-of-school issues.

Jenn O’Connor and Carol West Presentation

Jenn O’Connor, Senior Policy Associate for the Schuyler Center on Analysis and
Advocacy, and Carol West, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Jefferson County, presented on the New York Parent Information and Resource
Centers (PIRCs).

Carol explained that PIRCs are focused on ensuring student achievement in school by
building capacity and providing services for family engagement. New York is lucky to
have two PIRCs: one through EPIC in Buffalo, and one through Cornell Cooperative
Extension in Watertown. More information on PIRCs can be found online at:
http://www.nyspirc.org

Jenn discussed the results of the “On the Same Page” Summit. The summit’s purpose
was to make recommendations to the Board of Regents for family engagement. One
workgroup, which Jenn chairs, the Community Engagement Workgroup, is hoping to
incorporate elements of the community schools model into all schools in New York
State. There are an additional seven action teams. For more information, visit:
http://www.samepagesummit.org

Carol noted that there are many free resources for programs to use with parents in
engaging in their child’s education. A facilitator’s guide for family engagement will be
available shortly.

Contact information:
o Jenn O’Connor (518-463-1896 ext. 31; joconnor@scaany.org)

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 o Carol West (315-788-8450; cjw15@cornell.edu)
o Shelley Richards (716-332-4140; richardss@epicforchildren.org)

Reflections

Next year, Judy Nordstrom would like to know that the cooperation and continuing
involvement is still moving forward, and there’s evidence that we’re still linked.

Susan Perkins noted that it’s likely that we’ll become disconnected from the activities
going on in local communities in these tough times. Please keep us informed about
these local initiatives.

Workgroup Updates

Evidence and Evaluation Workgroup

Susan presented the grid of evidence-based parenting education curriculum. Additions

and/or corrections to the grid should be sent to cdeyss@preventchildabuseny.org. The
grid is also available online at http://www.parentingeducationpartnership.org.

Mary Jo Brach presented the report on provider’s use of evidence and evaluation, as
has been updated since the last NYSPEP meeting.

New Parent Kit

Michelle noted that work on the New Parent Kit is moving along slowly, but surely.
Currently, the work is focused on editing the Parent’s Guide. For more information,
please contact mgross@preventchildabuseny.org

Professional Development Workgroup

Liz described the work of the Professional Development Workgroup in the last year.
The Workgroup has hosted five focus group/professional development sessions with the
generosity of Wyn Frechette, Judy Nordstrom, and Carolina Grymbal.

In May, the Workgroup hosted a conference in Canandaigua on child sexual abuse

prevention. Over 50 parenting educators attended and the event was extremely well-
received. A next event is planned for New York City, perhaps on the subject of
supervision. No date has been set yet.

Liz asked that suggestions and opportunities for collaboration or co-sponsorship be

forwarded to the workgroup. The workgroup will consider incorporating the
credentialing education piece into these opportunities.

For more information on the workgroup, contact lhood@mail.nysed.gov.

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Website

The NYSPEP website is up and running! It includes a calendar of professional

development opportunities as well as a listing of parenting education programs. Visit
the website online at: http://www.parentingeducationpartnership.org.

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