News

Virtual training in the power of hope scheduled for Jan. 26 and 27

January 21, 2021

Hope is the key to improving outcomes for children and families who have experienced abuse and neglect, says a researcher who works with victims of child maltreatment, domestic violence, homelessness and poverty.

Joel Smith

Psychologist Chan Hellman, Ph.D., is scheduled to provide training in the power of hope during virtual presentations on Jan. 26 and 27. The objective is to train a team of “hope navigators” who will train others within their organizations and create a culture of hope.

“We can change the whole atmosphere, not just a few people,” said Justice Dawn Beam, co-chair of the Commission on Children’s Justice. “As we work together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.”

The program agenda, registration information and training material are available on the Commission on Children’s Justice website at this link: https://www.hope.ms.gov/programs-hope/hope-training.

A video about the power of hope explains the program. Here is a link: https://youtu.be/v4d8yVx96Ok.

Dr. Hellman will make his presentations via Zoom from the Gartin Justice Building Training Room in Jackson. Limited space is available for in-person attendance. The Training Room capacity is 30 people.

Representatives from more than 30 state agencies, non-profits and other entities have expressed interest.

Dr. Hellman, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a professor of social work at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center. His research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. He is the co-author of the book Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life.

His approach includes teaching people to do three things:

• set desirable goals;
• identify viable pathways to goals, finding solutions to the problems that stand in the way;
• maintain the willpower to pursue those goals.

“Hope is the belief that the future will be better, and you have the power to make it so,” Dr. Hellman said.

The Commission on Children’s Justice established Programs of HOPE to continue to address child neglect prevention. The model is centered on hope. The idea is to create pathways of hope for children and families.

Dr. Hellman also is scheduled to present a series of hope centered lectures during three regional training programs on April 13, 14, and 15 in Oxford, Madison and Gulfport. Expected to attend are judges, court staff, Department of Child Protection Services social workers, representatives from the Department of Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Mental Health, child advocacy centers and service providers. These interactive programs will be available for virtual participation via Zoom.

The presentations are part of the Court Improvement Program. The programs are sponsored by the Commission on Children’s Justice and Casey Family Programs in cooperation with the Mississippi Judicial College.

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