Table of Contents (5) - Flipbook - Page 20
Another is the role of economic wellbeing in child and family
wellbeing. Advocacy coalitions are highlighting the evidence that
ACEs are symptoms of a flawed economic system, rather than
indicative of flawed families and individuals. In a 2021 report, we
offered evidence-based framing guidance to help the field frame
child adversity as a public issue, a preventable problem, and a
solvable problem. Framing the issue as fixable helps motivate action;
widening the lens beyond individualistic and “family bubble” thinking
is essential to identifying the structural factors that shape
development outcomes.
Of these structural factors, systemic racism is one that is particularly
pervasive. Our recent report with PCA America highlights strategies
for talking about racism in child and family advocacy, and though its
recommendations are only one aspect of addressing the problem,
they can help foster productive conversations as we move toward
more robust structural solutions.
We’ve come this far in just two decades. Together, we can go even
further to ensure that children and families have what they need to
thrive.
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