Community Programs

Promoting resilience and reducing the prevalence and impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on children, families and communities.

Community Programs encompass SCAN’s prevention programs and initiatives at the community, state, and organizational level. These programs are focused on the primary and secondary prevention of child maltreatment through the advancement of protective factors and trauma-informed approaches in organizations, communities, and systems.

Activities of SCAN’s Community Programs Include:

Trainings and Consultations:

Community Programs staff serve as subject matter experts in the areas of trauma-informed practice, organizational wellness, child abuse prevention, community engagement and advocacy, and building individual and community resilience. They provide expert training, workshops, and consultation to a wide variety of systems such as healthcare, child welfare, education, legal and courts, and early childhood programs as well as community groups throughout the Greater Richmond region and across Virginia. In addition, staff host documentary film screenings for organizations and the community on the topics of trauma and resilience, prevention, and equity.

Community Programs offers regular FREE public trainings, workshops, and film screenings throughout the year. Continuing Education credits are available for some of these trainings as well. View our training calendar to learn more and register. Community Programs also offers trainings and film screenings by request. Learn more about our current offerings and request a training here. Stay informed about all upcoming training and screening events by signing up for our monthly email list.

Primary Prevention with Caregivers:

Community Programs staff are focused on primary prevention of child abuse and neglect through the promotion of child and family wellbeing and positive community norms. Staff offer parenting/caregiver workshops and support groups, including the weekly A Place for Parents, as well as one on one support in collaboration with community partners. Staff also participate in community events where they are able to make direct connections and provide resources, as well as leading events in the community, such as the Community Resilience Block Party.  

Community Engagement:

Community Engagement work focuses on preventing and mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) by strengthening connections, promoting resilience, and elevating community voice. The Community Engagement Specialist builds relationships with families, partners, and networks to identify systemic barriers and work toward equitable solutions. Efforts include leading the Finding Me Beyond Trauma Program, hosting “Chat and Chews” and healing spaces in neighborhoods, and offering trauma and resilience trainings grounded in lived experience. Staff also engage in community events to connect directly with residents, share resources, and create opportunities for healing and empowerment.

The Greater Richmond Trauma-Informed Community Network:

The Greater Richmond TICN was formed in the fall of 2012 and has a listserv of over 400 individuals representing healthcare, education, legal and courts, social services, and other sectors throughout the Greater Richmond region. The GRTICN aims to build a more equitable, safe, trauma-informed, and resilient community by informing, supporting, and elevating the Greater Richmond (VA) region. GRTICN’s mission is driven by the following priorities: preventing and mitigating the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); advancing trauma-informed practice and policies; and advocating for trauma-informed system change. The Director of Community Programs serves as the Coordinator for the GRTICN and Community Programs staff provide support to the network and leadership to GRTICN committees. 

Virginia’s Trauma-Informed Community Networks:

Virginia’s Trauma-Informed Community Networks (VA TICNs) is a coalition of 24 cross-sector networks focused on building resilience and preventing and mitigating the impact of trauma in their communities and creating a more trauma-informed and resilient culture in Virginia. VA TICNs work together with state partners to change practices, policies, and systems within their regions and at the state level. The Program Impact Specialist for Community Programs serves as the Coordinator for the Virginia’s TICNs, providing technical assistance and support to TICN leaders, convening statewide meetings, and representing the VA TICNs at the national level. 

Special Campaigns and Events:

Community Programs staff lead organizational, regional, and statewide special events and prevention programming, such as Resilience Week Virginia and the Caregiver Advocacy Series. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month each April, SCAN develops a campaign and distributes resources and information connected to the annual prevention theme; works with the community to create Pinwheels for Prevention Gardens; and coordinates Prevent-a-thon, a week during which staff train as many people as possible in Stewards of Children at no cost. 

State-Level and National Prevention Work:

Community Programs staff are active contributors to multiple state and national organizations, including: Thrive Birth to Five Impact Committee; FACT Child Abuse and Neglect Committee; International Transformational Resilience Coalition Steering Committee; Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice; CASA Legislative Committee; and others. Community Programs staff advocate for trauma-informed practice and policy change at the state and national level.