The Basics
Strengthening Families is a framework developed by CSSP over the last decade to prevent child abuse and neglect. This approach helps child welfare systems, early education and other programs work with parents to build the following protective factors:
- Parental resilience
- Social connections
- Concrete support in times of need
- Knowledge of parenting and child development
- Social and emotional competence of children
To embed these protective factors into existing programs and systems, CSSP works with national organizations, states and federal partners. The protective factors are informed by evidence from rigorous research and have widespread support from social researchers, child welfare officials, early childhood practitioners and policy experts. Since 2007, more than 30 states have adopted the Strengthening Families approach into their work with children and families.
CSSP continues to build knowledge, research and evidence to expand the use of the protective factors approach across the country. The organization currently serves as a convener of learning opportunities for national and state organizations and as an information hub, it also helps peers in the child welfare and other fields learn how to implement the Strengthening Families approach.
