u003cpu003eu003ca href=u0022https://pcaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Youthrive.jpgu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022alignnone size-full wp-image-11993u0022 src=u0022https://pcaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Youthrive.jpgu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022483u0022 height=u0022104u0022 /u003eu003c/au003eu003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eSince 2003, the Center for the Study of Social Policy’s (CSSP) Strengthening Familiesu003csupu003eTMu003c/supu003e Protective Factors Framework has helped professionals understand a strengths-based approach to developing potential in families. This evidence-informed framework has helped define the field of prevention. In 2011, CSSP adapted the framework to focus on the well-being of adolescents, and named this framework Youth Thriveu0026#x2122;.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eYouth Thriveu0026#x2122; is a framework and initiative designed to promote the healthy development and well-being of young people ages 9 – 26, with a special emphasis on those who have been most marginalized by society. By learning about the framework, professionals who work with pre-teens, teens, and young adults learn tools and strategies to support youth success. u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eIn February, the Department of Child Safety (DCS) funded a Youth Thriveu0026#x2122; Training of Trainers, which supported 18 people to become certified to teach the framework.u003cemu003e Attendees included Prevent Child Abuse Arizona’s Training Coordinator, Simone Tavassoli,u003c/emu003e and individuals from Foster Arizona, DCS, and a local group home. As strived for with every Youth Thrive training, one of the trainers was an adult with lived experience in foster care. Both trainers u003ca href=u0022https://pcaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pexels-kat-wilcox-923657-scaled.jpgu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022size-medium wp-image-11996 alignleftu0022 src=u0022https://pcaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pexels-kat-wilcox-923657.jpgu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022300u0022 height=u0022225u0022 /u003eu003c/au003eprompted attendees to consider Arizona foster kids' unique needs and how to adapt the Youth Thriveu0026#x2122; curriculum to meet those needs.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eWhen asked about the most valuable part of the training, Simone recalled the solutions-oriented conversations that arose from the other attendees. “The Youth Thrive training was engaging and provided a really unique opportunity to connect with other child welfare professionals. The framework makes it so clear how important youth voice is in improving our support for young people and families.” Simone hopes that with the 18 newly certified trainers, understanding of the Youth Thriveu0026#x2122; Framework will spread across Arizona.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eEach Youth Thriveu0026#x2122; training is designed to be two full days in-person. A brief 1-hour introduction can also be offered. If you are interested in hosting a Youth Thrive training, u003ca href=u0022mailto:youthservices@azdcs.govu0022u003eu003cstrongu003eplease contact Megan Conrad of DCSu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e to learn more and discuss options.u003c/pu003e
