Submitted photo A survivor of child abuse who received assistance through Families Flourish ND created this image to represent their healing.

Families Flourish ND (FFND), previously known as Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, is dedicated to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect in North Dakota.

The organization’s vision is to create a safe, nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect, for all children, and to empower families to thrive by providing community-driven resources that foster safe and nurturing environments for children. Its efforts include prevention trainings, child safety programs, home visiting programs, statewide and national advocacy and supporting survivors.

The agency provides a comprehensive lineup of child abuse prevention trainings, including child sexual abuse prevention, healthy sexual development, fostering healthy boundaries and body awareness and digital guardianship. It also holds the state license for Connections Matter, a nationally recognized curriculum. Training information and resource materials are located on its website for everyone to access.

Additional offerings include specialized training on the protective role of mentors for mentoring organizations, and the agency is launching a new session on grooming behaviors in May.

Each month, hundreds of adults across North Dakota receive training through FFND partnerships with foster care licensing programs, North Dakota State University Extension, medical professionals, Head Start programs and many more.

FFND supports communities statewide in implementing the Handle with Care (HWC) program by providing training, technical assistance and resources to promote strong program fidelity.

HWC is a school-community partnership program that enables law enforcement to notify school districts when they encounter a child at a traumatic scene with a short, confidential statement: “Handle __ with Care,” with only the child’s name provided. When this program is implemented to fidelity, it allows law enforcement, schools and the community to protect children from experiencing long-term impacts of trauma by providing supportive, trauma-informed care.

Research has proven that trauma can undermine children’s ability to learn, form relationships and function appropriately in the classroom, according to FFND. When trauma isn’t interrupted, society sees children who are more at risk for long-term negative outcomes, such as expulsion and dropping out. The opposite is true when implementing supportive programs, such as Handle with Care.

FFND recognizes the impact of the HWC program and has strong allies. It works to bring this program to every community by meeting with various educational groups, task forces and community agencies.

The agency also administers the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) grant, allowing the funding of three home-visiting sites throughout the state. This program works to target at-risk communities determined through a statewide needs assessment.

Through this grant, FFND is able to support families through evidence-based home visiting, including Parents as Teachers and Nurse-Family Partnership, with the focus on positive parenting practices, developmental milestones, parent-child interactions, maternal health, child health and family stability.

The team serves on multiple state and national coalitions and committees on which it advocates for primary prevention strategies that strengthen families and promote child safety. It also coordinates a statewide policy committee, which brings partners together to shape policy recommendations aimed at preventing abuse and supporting families. This committee is coordinating efforts and preparing policy priorities ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

Along with its other efforts, FFND also supports survivors by connecting them with resources, ensuring they receive the care they need. It focuses on providing opportunities for them to share their voice in meaningful and empowering ways while ensuring they have the adequate resources and help that they need to thrive.

Because it focuses on prevention and systems change rather than direct services, its impact, although powerful, is too often overlooked, FFND stated.