"Dr. Silvernail recently provided an invaluable resource to the Circuit 19 Child Abuse Prevention Planning Team.  As one of the team’s goals, we wanted to ensure that all staff persons working with families were equipped to intervene in a positive and helpful way when they saw a family in distress.  We wanted to make sure that employees are confident when offering help or resources to a parent with whom they come in contact.  For example, a child care worker may see that a child is dropped off without a lunch now and then, or arrives in clothing that hasn’t been washed.  Does this worker have the skills to inquire in a non-threatening way about the family’s ability to provide a nutritious lunch and clean clothes?  Might this worker avoid saying anything, because it is an uncomfortable discussion to have? 

We spoke to Dr. Silvernail about this goal, and she volunteered to design a training to meet this very need.  The training “Equipping Families for Nurturing Lives” was developed to be self guided, so that employees can follow along on their own, or to be presented to a group by a facilitator.  We have used the training many times since it was developed, and have had universally positive feedback from the trainees.

In developing the training, Dr. Silvernail has gathered a tremendous amount of pertinent, timely, and clear information for employees who work with children.  In fact, the general consensus from trainees is that they want more!

In donating her time and expertise to the Child Abuse Prevention Planning Team, Dr. Silvernail has proven herself to be a community resource, a go-to person, and an expert in creating trainings that resonate with their intended audiences."

- Doug Borrie, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
CASTLE