The 5 Protective Factors are widely known in the Family Strengthening Field as a way to increase family strengths and decrease the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. They can also play a significant role in preventing and reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in children and families. In our newest knowledge to action brief, we discuss a 6th protective factor,…
The majority of people living in California have experienced at least one (1) adverse childhood experience (ACE). Fully 16% have experienced 4 or more ACEs. In SPI’s first ACEs Aware Knowledge to Action Brief, we focus on the challenges children face in the midst of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how lasting impacts can be prevented or reduced using the…
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently reports that the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is low for young Americans, research on natural disasters makes it clear that, compared to adults, children are more vulnerable to the emotional impact of traumatic events that disrupt their daily lives. This resource offers information on supporting and protecting children’s emotional…
Most of the time the joys of being a parent outweigh the frustrations. When the challenges of parenting accumulate and become overwhelming, parental stress can occur. According to the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), even though all parents experience stress, by increasing parental resilience, parents can effectively manage stressful situations and help ensure positive outcomes for their…
Supporting young children to develop social-emotional skills is found to have a profound effect on their health and development in early life and as adults. Social-emotional competence, which includes self regulation, executive functioning, emotional and impulse control, and social and communication skills, influences children’s cognitive and language development, academic achievement, and mental health (CSSP, n.d.). Access the Knowledge to Action…
When parents have a strong understanding of how their children will grow and develop over time and are able to implement positive parenting practices to help support their child’s development, they are more equipped to respond effectively to their children’s needs. Current research emphasizes that a parent’s ability to consistently meet a child’s needs at each stage of development is…
The Protective Factors Framework is considered a research-based approach to building parental resilience, social connections, concrete support, knowledge of parenting and child development as well as social and emotional competence of children, so the likelihood of child abuse and neglect diminishes (CSSP, 2018). However, families served by Family Strengthening Organizations often have vastly different needs and professionals are better able…
Rooted in the legacy of the settlement houses of the 1800s that served and advocated for immigrants and those living in poverty, Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have emerged as leaders in supporting families and communities in the last few decades (Sherman & McQuaid, 2017). Though FRCs are as diverse as the people they serve, they share common characteristics as centrally…