Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework Strengthening Families Goodwin College

OVERVIEW Background on Strengthening Families Protective Factors Early Development and How Trauma Impacts Children Self-Assessment and Collaborative Partnerships Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

Strengthening Families mobilizes partners, communities and families to build family strengths, promote optimal development and reduce child abuse and neglect. Strengthening Families: An Overview:4:6 an-overviewhttp:// an-overview

Strengthening Families began as a new approach to child abuse and neglect prevention the is systematic, national in scope, reaches large numbers of children, has impact long before abuse or neglect occurs and promotes optimal development for all children. Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

Strengthening Families is An approach – not a model, program or curriculum Research – based and evidence-informed A framework of five protective factors Designed to promote optimal development and stronger families and prevent child maltreatment Being applied in many fields that touch the lives of children and families. Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

Strengthening Families is not a new program, but rather a way of thinking about the ways we come into contact with families every day and the “small but significant” ways in which we can change our programs and practices in order to better support families. Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

Strengthening Families has inspired an approach to supporting families that is universally available, not targeted by risk and focused on development and growth, not only on identified problems. Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

This is an approach NOT a model or program. A protective factors approach can be applied in most settings that are already serving young children and their families. Strengthening Families is available to everyone! Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

The protective factors are at the heart of Strengthening Families and are something that everyone needs. There is no stigma associated with participating in the Strengthening Families activities. 9 Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

The first step in developing the Strengthening Families approach was thoroughly investigating what the research tells us about reducing child maltreatment- about what works with families that protects against child abuse and neglect and what family characteristics promote children’s healthy development and link directly to reducing the risks of child abuse and neglect. Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

At the heart of Strengthening Families are the five protective factors. Researchers had been studying social problems that contributed to risks factors for years. The “risks factors approach” looked for characteristics that are common among families experiencing abuse and neglect – thus identifying families that might be “at risk” for abuse or neglect. Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

In contrast, a “protective factors” approach looks for attributes that might serve as buffers, helping parents who might otherwise be at risk of abusing or neglecting their children to find alternative resources, supports, or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress. This is particularly important for parents who, as children, experienced abusive or neglectful parenting. Protective factors act as a counter weight to risk factors. They buffer the impact of what the researchers call “toxic stress.” Risk factors, as it turns out, are not predictive of future events. Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

Five Protective Factors Parental Resilience Social Connections Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Concrete Support in Times of Need Social and Emotional Competence of Children Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

The Center for the Study of Social Policy worked intensively with researchers and advisors for over a year to develop a blend of Protective Factors that reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. Researchers say it’s the protective factors that make a difference in the long run. Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

What does the research indicate? CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, STRONG FAMILIES AND OPTIMAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT ARE OUTCOMES THAT ARE TIED TOGETHER. RISK ARE NOT PREDICTIVE-BECAUSE OF PROTECTIVE FACTORS FIVE SPECIFIC PROTECTIVE FACTORS ARE TIED TO CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, STRONG FAMILIES AND OPTIMAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT YOU CAN BUILD THESE PROTECTIVE FACTORS IN MANY DIFFERENT SETTINGS Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

Where is Strengthening Families Happening Early childhood Programs Family Support Programs Home visiting programs Communities Child welfare agencies Home-based child care providers Domestic violence programs Probation and parole Public benefits Businesses Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

Map of Implementing States Active in SFNN Not-active in SFNN, but some state level Implementation strategy in place Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

Results Framework at use in Connecticut 2:1 framework-at-use-in-connecticut Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework

Strengthening Families National Network Federal Relationships; Other National Connections Center For The Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families A Protective Factors Framework