Promote a Statewide Prevention Vision

Children’s Cabinets or some cross-sector consensus process are fundamental to developing a shared vision, establish goals, identify priorities, and guide implementation of strategies.

What Can Policymakers Do?

• Establish a Children’s Cabinet.   As of 2009, 15 states had Children’s Cabinets and most states have early childhood coordinating councils. Rhode Island’s Children’s Cabinet was established with “the intent to address the needs of children and families in an integrated and effective way.”  The NGA Center for Best Practices Issue Brief contains state examples of various types of coordinating council structures and how they can improve service delivery to specific populations.

• Require Cross Agency Training and Coordination. For example, teachers can work in a variety of programs and organizations to educate about child abuse.  The State of Texas established by law the training of public school educators in the prevention of child abuse that specifically includes the five Protective Factors.