 |
An early scan of existing research about conditions that produce a lower incidence of child abuse and neglect revealed several "protective factors" or attributes that serve as buffers, helping parents who might otherwise be at risk for abuse and neglect to find resources, supports or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress. When these factors are present, child maltreatment appears to be less likely to occur.
CSSP has developed a logic model for reducing child abuse and neglect through early care and education programs based on building resiliency rather than reducing risk. The protective factors related to adult family members include:
The protective factor related to children is
This list of factors was determined after discussions with a national advisory panel and researchers in the child abuse prevention, early childhood and family support fields and extensive review of the research evidence on child abuse and neglect. The factors are not unique to this framework; they are addressed by many current child abuse prevention efforts. Prior to this study, they had not been used to describe what early care and education programs do. A protective factors approach has the advantages of being doable, affordable, and able to reach millions of children. It helps programs, policymakers, and communities see what needs to be built with families instead of focusing only on what needs to be changed.
|
|
|