The Children’s Trust develops programs and influences public policies by building Protective Factors that support the overall well-being of children and their 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 in order to support the optimal well-being of children and families.

Our programs prevent abuse by partnering with families, communities, and organizations to both mitigate risk factors, outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and promote protective factors - helping to create a promising future where children’s wellness is a priority across Massachusetts.

The Five Protective Factors

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.

• 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