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The Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework is the basis for a national and an international movement to help families expand the factors in their lives that keep them strong. This strength-based approach resonates with individuals, families, communities, organizations, businesses, large state systemic efforts, and national-level efforts to support all the basic needs and rights of children and families.

The five protective factors work together to help make families strong. Each of the five protective factors is essential, but the most important is what they do together to build strength and stability in families. Reducing stress in families reduces the risk of child abuse and leads to better outcomes for children.

 

 

Parental Resilience

Parental resilience might come in the form of requesting and accepting support to meet basic needs for families. It could show up when parents support each other at critical moments to promote self-care. It may even be celebrating children’s strengths and milestones as they grow through challenges.
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Concrete Support in Times of Need

Concrete support in times of need might come in the form of a positive peer connection. It could show up as a “just in time” tip about a child’s growth and development. Building resources for Concrete Support might mean asking for and accepting help when it is needed.
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Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development

Knowledge of parenting and child development might come in the form of relatable advice from peers experiencing the same ages and stages of children. It could show up when a parent is helping a child understand their responsibilities or role in everyday moments. It may even be when a parent helps a child process their big emotions or how they are feeling during significant moments.
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[Healthy] Social Connections

[Healthy] Social Connections might come in the form of seeking community support and finding a resource. It could show up when a teacher or counselor partners with the parent to support a child’s social and emotional development. It may even be supporting a child’s behavior or milestones with consistent and peer, community and family supports.
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Social and Emotional Competence

Social and Emotional Competence might come in the form of a positive peer connection. It could show up when parents help children name and claim their emotions at all stages of development. A resilient parent might use everyday moments to sit, listen and process things with their child when they are having a hard time.
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