Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect

Five Protective Factors to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

1 - Resilient Parents

Challenging times impact every family. Recognizing stressful situations, learning new coping skills,  and keeping a sense of hope helps us take constructive action to turn things around.

2 - Parents with Knowledge of Early Childhood Development

Taking time to learn about child development teaches us how to set realistic expectations and gives parents tools to cope with various situations.  Take a parenting class, check out a parenting book from the library, or visit a parenting website or blog.

3 - Positive Emotional and Social Development in Children

Ensuring that children fully develop by teaching them the skills to identify their feelings, communicate their needs, solve their problems, and have positive social interaction with their peers.

4 - Parents with Strong Networks of Family & Friends

Having a support system helps us get needed breaks, share ideas on what works, cope with difficult times, and prevents isolation.  Join a play group or family fitness class in your neighborhood.

5 - Parents with Access to Professional Support

Knowing where to turn when problems are too big to deal with alone.  Call 1-800-CHILDREN for support.

For more information, visit www.strengtheningfamilies.net