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April 2023Vol. 24, No. 3Strengthening Caregiver Protective Factors in Tough Times

Supporting parents and caregivers during difficult times through the Strengthening Families framework—an evidence-based approach to build family strengths, support healthy child development, and reduce the likelihood of child maltreatment—is the focus of Building Resilience in Troubled Times: A Guide for Parents from the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP). The framework is centered on engaging families and communities in building five key protective factors, which are the strengths and characteristics of individuals, families, and society that, when present, lessen the effects of risk, stress, or trauma and promote the health and well-being of all.

The resource outlines each of the following protective factors and provides tips and actionable steps to help families build them:

  • Resilience
  • Social connections
  • Concrete support
  • Knowledge of parenting and child development
  • Social and emotional competence of children

  Access the webpage and brief on the CSSP website.