All News

The AVANCE Network operates several programs within the framework of a two-generation approach to whole family success. The largest of these is their Parent-Child Outcome Education Program, a program for parents and their children up to age 4. While the parents are in their own session learning about the importance of their role as a teacher and specific parenting skills, their children are taught school ready concepts and participate in stimulating activities.

Family court cases, including divorce and custody issues, account for approximately one-half of all civil cases in Texas. Research has repeatedly demonstrated the negative effects of divorce on children, yet little is known about how the family court system minimizes or exacerbates child trauma from divorce.

In the state of Texas in 2017, there were 174,740 completed investigations of abuse and neglect and over 63,000 children confirmed victims of child maltreatment, of which almost 50% were under the age of 5. These victims of childhood trauma, or adverse childhood experiences, are also at greater risk of both short- and long-term negative impacts on their brain development, behavior, and health.

Family Connects supports newborns and their families by functioning as a screening and triage tool to identify families in need of support and connect them with resources in the community. The goal of the program is to visit with every family in their home after the birth of a new baby. During the visit, a nurse assesses the family's strengths and needs, provides support and guidance, and also connects the family with community services based on the family’s specific needs and preferences.