Introduction to Strengthening Families Protective Factors

Training description

The Strengthening Families framework is an evidence-based approach that identifies five Protective Factors that, when present and robust in families, help increase family strengths, enhance child development, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. It is based on engaging families, programs, and communities in building 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

The Protective Factors provide both a framework and an interrelated approach to serving families well, and to reducing incidences of child abuse and neglect. This workshop is considered a “101” or basic training for those who are not familiar with the Protective Factors framework. Participants in this course will understand the five Protective Factors and the Seven Key Strategies that support the presence of the Protective Factors. All participants will understand how the Strengthening Families framework supports the healthy emotional development of children and prevents incidences of child maltreatment.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework.
2. Identify the Foundational Ideas of the Strengthening Families Framework.
3. Define each of the 5 Protective Factors and how they positively impact families.