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Family Health

In the arena of family health, our work includes research, evaluation, professional training, and advocacy in such areas as women's reproductive health, support for battered women and children, and injury prevention programs. We are home to the Children's Safety Network, a federal clearinghouse for injury prevention information. We also work closely with Head Start and Early Head Start programs to provide early care services for families with young children.

Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Collaboration Project

CC&F/EDC led a collaborative effort with federal and state agencies and key associations to improve services for young children whose families are migrant or seasonal farmworkers. CC&F/EDC analyzed policies and services and facilitated cooperative agreements between and among states and federal agencies to improve educational and health outcomes for children.

PBS Parents Web Site: Creativity

CC&F will develop and launch a major new region on the PBS Parents Web site to help parents and caregivers nurture the creativity of their children from birth through age eight. CC&F is designing both online and real world games and activities to encourage parents and children to interact in ways that enhance creativity. To help adults understand how each activity relates to creative development and to spark their own ideas on how to further it, CC&F staff are also writing articles and adding resources.

Breaking Barriers . . . Rompiendo Barreras

In collaboration with community-based organizations, EDC improves the education and employment of Latina women and their families, and supports economic and community development in Waltham, Mass. Participants take courses in English, GED preparation, and computers, while developing life skills in the areas of child care, family advocacy, and community activism. They also explore career opportunities, moving into first-time jobs or improving their career prospects.

New England RAP, Head Start Disabilities Services Quality Improvement Center

CC&F/EDC used proven strategies to enhance Head Start’s efforts to include children with disabilities from birth to eight and their families. CC&F/EDC offered intensive consultation services, performed on-site interventions, provided college credit courses and skill-based training, and disseminated cutting-edge resources to Head Start programs across New England. Working with national, regional, state and community agencies and associations, CC&F/EDC built strategic alliances to support and maintain inclusive communities, while promoting the mental health of children, families, and staff.

A Painful Reality

When her son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, EDC’s Eileen Mackin was shocked at how unfamiliar his school was with handling mental health problems. After years of talking, learning, and advocating, she is now creating resources so other parents and schools can learn from her experiences. With funds from the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, she has developed a pamphlet for parents on how they can work with their child’s school on mental health issues and is producing a companion pamphlet for schools.

After an Attempt

When someone has attempted suicide, they and their loved ones need assistance coping, recovering, and moving forward after treatment in an emergency department (ED). ED physicians often also need information and resources in order to provide the best care possible for these patients. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) in EDC’s Health and Human Development Programs (HHD) has created three brochures to help with the healing process.