Protective Factors That Keep Families Strong
From 2002 to 2004, the Center for the Study of Social Policy conducted research on what works best to keep children safe and families strong. They published their findings as five Protective Factors and worked with states across the nation to embed them in early childhood education programs. Strengthening Families Illinois added the sixth Protective Factor, also drawn from research. They also “translated” the Protective Factors into everyday language with the help of Better World Advertising. Both versions are shown below. Click on the links for more information on each Protective Factor on the Strengthening Families Illinois website.
Protective Factors: Original Language
1. Enhance Parental Resilience
2. Develop Social Connections
3. Build Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
4. Offer Concrete Support in Times of Need
5. Foster Social and Emotional Competence
6. Promote Healthy Parent-Child Relationships
Protective Factors: Everyday Language
1. Be Strong & Flexible
2. Parents Need Friends
3. Being a Great Parent Is Part Natural & Part Learned
4. We All Need Help Sometimes
5. Parents Need to Help Their Children Communicate
6. Give Your Children the Love & Respect They Need
You can get materials and training to help you strengthen the Protective Factors from the strengthening families Illinois website.