In this episode, Valerie Frost talks with Dr. David Sanders, Executive Vice President of Systems Improvement at Casey Family Programs and one of the early visionaries behind the Thriving Families, Safer Children initiative.

As the initiative marks its fifth anniversary, David reflects on the bold idea that sparked it: the belief that we must shift from a system centered on child removal to one that supports families and promotes child and community wellbeing. Together, David and Valerie explore how the dominant intervention in child protection for the past 40 years, family separation, has shaped the system, and why a different path is both possible and necessary.

David shares how real change requires more than individual will, it demands a reimagining of parenting, policy, and prevention. He highlights the foundational principles of the Thriving Families initiative, including partnering with people with lived expertise, addressing racial equity, and centering community-based solutions.

This episode is ultimately about systems change, the courage to confront outdated practices, and the ongoing work of building something better, for all families.

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Here are some additional resources Dr. Sanders would like to share with you. 

• Sharing Power – Casey Family Programs
• Engagement of Co-Designers – Casey Family Programs
• Child Welfare Co-Design – Casey Family Programs
• Lifting Up Voices - Casey Family Programs

We appreciate you spreading awareness by sharing this episode with your friends, family, and colleagues who care about family well-being.

Please email us if you want to connect with the creative team or find out how to engage with the family well-being movement. [email protected]