Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework

This presentation will provide an overview of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy. The framework identifies five key protective factors—parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and social-emotional competence of children—that promote positive family well-being and mitigate risk. Attendees will learn how these factors serve as a foundation for building capacity among family-facing direct service professionals. By focusing on strengths rather than deficits, this approach empowers professionals to support families in fostering healthy development, strengthening relationships, and improving outcomes.