This evaluation report reflects the assessment and service provision activities for 4,691 children predominantly ages 0 to 5 exposed to violence, along with their caregivers, who sought treatment at the 11 Illinois sites participating in the Safe From the Start (SFS) program between July 2001 and June 2014. Treatment services could include individual child and adult therapy, family therapy, family support services, psycho-education, and case management.

This report summarizes data collected from 4350 children and their families that received Safe From the Start services over the past 12 years. These data provide an important picture of the population of children being referred for violence exposure, the impact of that exposure to violence, and the impact of SFS services. The data indicate a significant reduction in children’s emotional and behavioral symptoms and caregiver stress, and an improvement in child and caregiver functioning. Through collaborative, community-based efforts designed to help families that present with a wide variety of needs, Safe From the Start programs appear to be making a positive impact on the lives of children exposed to violence.

ICJIA researchers conducted a process evaluation of the Safe From the Start (SFS) program, examining the program’s operation with a focus on its three core pillars of coalition building, direct services, and public awareness. Researchers analyzed data collected from clinicians and administrative staff across nine program sites via an online survey, four focus groups, and nine virtual site visits. Findings indicated that providers’ key objectives for coalition building were to streamline family referrals, collaborate with partners on public awareness efforts, and educate partners on childhood exposure to violence. Sites coordinated quarterly coalition meetings and annual professional development trainings to increase collaboration among service agencies. Providers’ direct service activities involved making referrals, developing service plans, and providing therapeutic treatment. While providers used 17 different therapeutic treatment modalities across sites, all sites commonly utilized play therapy or Theraplay. Also, sites engaged in public awareness activities by offering presentations, workshops, and trainings at community events. They employed various strategies to reach underserved victims by mitigating language barriers and increasing access to services. While unique barriers and strengths were noted within each pillar, multiple sites encountered capacity, technology, and COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges that impacted all pillars. Recommendations for programmatic improvement and avenues for future research are discussed.

ICJIA researchers conducted a process evaluation of the Safe From the Start (SFS) program, examining the program’s operation with a focus on its three core pillars of coalition building, direct services, and public awareness. Researchers analyzed data collected from clinicians and administrative staff across nine program sites via an online survey, four focus groups, and nine virtual site visits. Findings indicated that providers’ key objectives for coalition building were to streamline family referrals, collaborate with partners on public awareness efforts, and educate partners on childhood exposure to violence. Sites coordinated quarterly coalition meetings and annual professional development trainings to increase collaboration among service agencies. Providers’ direct service activities involved making referrals, developing service plans, and providing therapeutic treatment. While providers used 17 different therapeutic treatment modalities across sites, all sites commonly utilized play therapy or Theraplay. Also, sites engaged in public awareness activities by offering presentations, workshops, and trainings at community events. They employed various strategies to reach underserved victims by mitigating language barriers and increasing access to services. While unique barriers and strengths were noted within each pillar, multiple sites encountered capacity, technology, and COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges that impacted all pillars. Recommendations for programmatic improvement and avenues for future research are discussed.

Apply now for grants to implement Safe From the Start community-based models that identify, assess, and serve children, primarily ages birth to 5, who have been exposed to violence in their homes and/or communities.

ICJIA researchers conducted an evaluation of the Safe From the Start (SFS) program to identify the characteristics, risk factors, and the impact of violence and service provision on children and their caregivers. Administrative and assessment data collected from July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2020, representing 4,823 children who had received services across nine SFS sites in Illinois were analyzed. Findings indicated that most children referred for services had witnessed domestic violence (81%) and that 39% of children were at risk for social-emotional delays and 41% had presented with emotional and behavioral problems. Additionally, 43% of caregivers had elevated parental stress at intake. Analyses of matched pre-and post-intervention data indicated a significant reduction in children’s problematic emotional and behavioral symptoms and in caregiver’s parental stress after service receipt. Challenges and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of service provisions for young children exposed to violence are discussed.

Join us this Mental Health Awareness Month in healing and empowering those affected by trauma and violence.

Fernanda Gonzalez joined ICJIA as a research analyst on the Safe from the Start program in January 2021. Prior to joining ICJIA, Fernanda worked as a research assistant on a systems evaluation for the Southwest Organizing Project. The project brought together mental health, healthcare, and social service providers to Southside Chicago communities. Fernanda’s areas of interest include early childhood program development, migration research, and continuous quality improvement in social services. She earned a master’s degree in social work administration at the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Loyola Chicago.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for grants Safe from the Start (SFS) implementation. Grants will be made with SFY26 funds. A total of $2,868,000 in funding in SFS Program is available through this solicitation for use over a period of 12 months.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for grants Safe From the Start Planning. Grants will be made with SFY24 funds. Grant awards resulting from this opportunity will have a target period of performance of January 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for the Safe From the Start program. Grants will be made with SFY23 funds. A total of $907,500 in funding in Safe From the Start Implementation is available through this solicitation for use over a period of 12 months.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for grant funding for the Safe From the Start (SFS) Evaluation program. Grants will be made with General Revenue State Fiscal Year 2020 funds. A total of $123,900 in funding is available through this solicitation for use over a period of eight months.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for grant funding for the Safe From the Start (SFS) Evaluation program. Grants will be made with General Revenue State Fiscal Year 2020 funds. A total of $123,900 in funding is available through this solicitation for use over a period of eight months.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for grants funding Safe From the Start site (SFS). Grants will be made with SFS state fiscal year 2020 funds. A total of $1,080,000 in funding is available through this solicitation for use over a period of 12 months.

ICJIA researchers conducted a process evaluation of the Safe From the Start (SFS) program, examining the program’s operation with a focus on its three core pillars of coalition building, direct services, and public awareness. Researchers analyzed data collected from clinicians and administrative staff across nine program sites via an online survey, four focus groups, and nine virtual site visits. Findings indicated that providers’ key objectives for coalition building were to streamline family referrals, collaborate with partners on public awareness efforts, and educate partners on childhood exposure to violence. Sites coordinated quarterly coalition meetings and annual professional development trainings to increase collaboration among service agencies. Providers’ direct service activities involved making referrals, developing service plans, and providing therapeutic treatment. While providers used 17 different therapeutic treatment modalities across sites, all sites commonly utilized play therapy or Theraplay. Also, sites engaged in public awareness activities by offering presentations, workshops, and trainings at community events. They employed various strategies to reach underserved victims by mitigating language barriers and increasing access to services. While unique barriers and strengths were noted within each pillar, multiple sites encountered capacity, technology, and COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges that impacted all pillars. Recommendations for programmatic improvement and avenues for future research are discussed.

ICJIA researchers conducted an evaluation of the Safe From the Start (SFS) program to identify the characteristics, risk factors, and the impact of violence and service provision on children and their caregivers. Administrative and assessment data collected from July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2020, representing 4,823 children who had received services across nine SFS sites in Illinois were analyzed. Findings indicated that most children referred for services had witnessed domestic violence (81%) and that 39% of children were at risk for social-emotional delays and 41% had presented with emotional and behavioral problems. Additionally, 43% of caregivers had elevated parental stress at intake. Analyses of matched pre-and post-intervention data indicated a significant reduction in children’s problematic emotional and behavioral symptoms and in caregiver’s parental stress after service receipt. Challenges and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of service provisions for young children exposed to violence are discussed.