About Us

Families Thrive is an exciting resource developed by Contra Costa County's Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence and the Safe and Bright Futures for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence initiatives.

We aim to engage professionals working with the community; learn about the issue of domestic and family violence; share what works; work together collaboratively; and develop new resources and strategies for helping families thrive in Contra Costa County.

In particular, we will be focusing on children and youth who are exposed to domestic violence (CEDV). Children who are exposed to domestic violence "CEDV", especially repeated incidents of abuse, are at risk for many difficulties, both immediately and in the future. Exposure to domestic violence affects children's ability to learn and function in school, is associated with greater rates of antisocial behavior, substance abuse, mental illness, and adverse health outcomes in adulthood.

Current research confirms that exposure to trauma such as domestic violence reshapes the human brain, influences personality, and personal skills and behaviors. These behaviors are especially profound since the abuse is perpetrated by a primary caregiver of the child. Society as a whole pays a high price for the exposure of children to domestic violence.

And there is Hope! Together, we are going to focus on learning more about this issue, discuss strategies to increase children's protective factors and resilience and explore what we can do as a community to forge new partnerships and build responsive systems for children and youth.

Four Community Action Teams have formed to
develop and implement the Families Thrive Action Strategies.

You are invited to join a Families Thrive Action Team.
Click Here to Learn More About the Four Action Strategies.