Children and Families: Research and Planning
A priority for the SPRC is the condition of child and family well-being in Hamilton. Here the SPRC is (1) developing strategies that make Hamilton a child friendly community, (2) developing and supporting strategies that make Hamilton an inclusive community, and (3) educating citizens on the issue of families including non-traditional families. The research undertaken includes:
Community Map of Child and Family Well-Being
The Hamilton Community Map is a Geographic Information System that maps indicators of child and family well-being at a neighbourhood level. It is a powerful community development tool that visually portrays the unique characteristics and conditions of each neighbourhood. It maps community assets and can be used to identify risk and resilience factors at a local level.
A report by SPRC, released in April 2003, provides the Hamilton community with a review of issues and recent progress made addressing the health and well being of children. The report adds support to the ongoing work of community planning and action to improve conditions encouraging the healthy development of children. participated in the event. It makes 9 recommendations for action in Hamilton. The report concludes that Hamilton has the capacity and the resources to provide a supportive environment for children through high quality education, health, social and recreational services and will be able to create better services, systems and communities through cooperation and effective action to produce better outcomes for children.
Children in Hamilton: Progress and Challenges (PDF)
A Children's Symposium was held in Hamilton in January 2001 for the purpose of bringing people in the community together to make Hamilton a better place for children and youth. More than 500 people participated in the event. The results were encouraging. A number of recommendations for action were identified and are expected to serve as a guide to community action in the years ahead. These recommendations are detailed in the Summary Report and Full Report available by following these links.
Children's Symposium Summary Report (PDF)
Children's Symposium Full Report (PDF)
This Symposium is being followed up with an examination of progress in the Hamilton community one year later. This report of progress will be available in April 2002.
To provide an overview of the actions taken by the SPRC itself to address the priority of children and family well being in 2001/2002 the SPRC has produced a presentation describing some of the issues and related actions underway. This presentation entitled "Building a Strong Community: Making Hamilton a Child Friendly Community" was first presented to the SPRC Board of Directors in November 2001.
Follow this link to view the presentation Building a Strong Community: Making Hamilton a Child Friendly Community (PDF)(905 KB)