Dr. Paul Elam, Chief Strategy Officer, recently delivered a presentation for the Georgia THRIVe program’s webinar training series. Established by Mindworks Georgia and the Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health at the Georgia Health Policy Center, the Georgia THRIVe program is dedicated to improving the health, safety, well-being, and development of infants, toddlers, and families in the child welfare system. It works to address gaps in evidence-based practices and systems coordination through trauma-informed interventions that address the needs of both parents and children.

Dr. Elam gave a presentation on child maltreatment and policy, drawing upon his experience as a nationally recognized public policy expert and researcher who has dedicated his career to advancing systemic change in public health and child welfare systems. The goal of the presentation was to equip child welfare professionals with evidence-based tools and knowledge to better support and serve young children and families.

The presentation covered the following topics, among others:

  • Factors that Lead to Removal: Elam explained the complex situations that lead to children’s removal from a home, such as substance abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and housing instability. The presentation identified key supporting data on these factors, stating that 75% of infant/toddler removal cases are due to neglect, and 60% of infant removals involve substance abuse.
  • Policy Innovations for Family Preservation: Elam explored the current state of policy innovations such as prevention-focused services, in-home support models, and legislative frameworks. These policy innovations seek to address family needs, provide support and reduce barriers, and ensure child safety while prioritizing keeping families together.
  • Holistic, Systemic Approaches to Family Preservation: Elam discussed the evidence-based practices that have been working to address barriers to child welfare, such as whole-family support, systems coordination, and preventative intervention. These practices explore the intersection between all aspects of family life and the systemic barriers that may stop families from thriving. This can include promoting safety and stability, health and mental health, economic security, education and development, social connections, and stable housing and environments.

For more information on the Georgia THRIVe program, visit:
Georgia THRIVe: Georgia’s Infant-Toddler Court Program – Georgia Health Policy Center