The Children's Trust is a public-private organization working toward a Massachusetts free from child abuse and neglect. We partner with organizations and communities to drive systemic change to address the root causes of abuse and neglect so that all children can grow up in thriving families. 

The Children's Trust has established strong partnerships with some of the most effective and impactful family support agencies and organizations throughout Massachusetts. These collaborations are designed to enhance the support network available to families, ensuring they have access to the resources and services needed to thrive. By partnering with a wide range of community organizations, we strengthen efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect while promoting the overall well-being of families across the state. 

When children grow up in thriving families, it changes the course of their lives.

Our Philosophy

The Children's Trust develops programs and trainings and advocates for public policies that by emphasize Protective Factors that support the overall well-being of families.  Developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy, the Protective Factors framework is a research-driven approach that identifies five key conditions which must be in place to support the optimal well-being of children and families. All programs and trainings within the Children’s Trust network help family support and human service professionals build and strengthen these factors with the families they serve. 

Protective Factors serve as buffers that help families cope, achieve, and thrive, even during times of stress. They are the cornerstones upon which to build healthy environments for children and families. 

The Five Protective Factors 

• Parental Resilience: developing the ability to cope and bounce back from life’s challenges 
• Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: receiving accurate information about raising young children, and learning appropriate and effective strategies to gauge expectations and set limits on child behaviors 
• Social Connections: engaging friends, family members, neighbors, and others in the community who may provide emotional support and assistance 
• Concrete Support in Times of Need: accessing life essentials such as food, clothing, and housing when there is an immediate need 
• Social and Emotional Development of Children: fostering a child’s ability to interact positively with others and communicate his or her emotions appropriately 

The Children's Trust has created a poster to promote the Protective Factors. The poster is available to download and print.