A Guide to Building Naturally Supportive Communities
he goal of the Connections First Policy Fellowship was to better understand how natural supports can influence the well-being of children during their middle years. Over the course of the project, the policy fellows listened to youth and families to better understand what outcomes they believe are most meaningful to alter life course trajectories, and how to improve outcomes for children and youth in the middle years between 6 and 16. The policy fellows also engaged with a range of stakeholders to listen to their thoughts, learn from their experiences and determine useful ways to make the implementation of natural supports strategies a reality in their lives.
From this research and engagement work, the policy fellowship team compiled a knowledge mobilization kit for community service organizations on how to organize, deliver and evaluate a family-focused, community-based support that will advance resiliency and relational networks. This guide aims to provide a way for
Identify what they are currently doing to support themselves or others who may be struggling with adversity in their lives.
Have a better understanding of how natural supports can act as a prevention strategy to improve well-being for children in their middle years.
Understand what is currently happening in terms of natural supports research and how that might help them strengthen their own supportive networks.
Observe examples of how communities are using natural supports.
Establish achievable natural supports goals.
Access further resources for information and support regarding natural supports.
A copy of the Guide to Building Naturally Supportive Communities is available below to view and download.