As National Child Abuse Prevention Month wraps up, we're happy to share the final two protective factors that can make all the difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Thank you for being a part of our community and taking the time to learn about this important topic. But don't worry, we're committed to continuing our mission of providing engaging educational content each month. Stay tuned for more!
Protective Factor 5: Concrete supports for parents
Empowering families to care for their children can be a challenging task, especially in the face of various factors that can make this responsibility overwhelming. However, by partnering with parents and identifying community resources that can address their unique needs, it is possible to prevent stress-induced maltreatment and unintended neglect. Fortunately, there are several resources available to parents and caregivers who may need support in caring for their children.
Protective Factor 6: Social and emotional competence of children
Parents have a powerful influence on their children's social and emotional development. By effectively expressing and communicating emotions, regulating their own emotions, and fostering friendships, parents can give their kids a solid foundation for healthy relationships. But the opposite is also true: if a child struggles in these areas, it can put a strain on family, adult, and peer relationships. That's why it's so important to identify and address social-emotional delays early on, with support for both children and parents. By working together, families can ensure that their little ones are on a path to positive and appropriate growth.
Resource Links:
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Annie E. Casey Foundation is a private charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in the United States, with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities. Their mission is to develop a brighter future for these children by strengthening families, building stronger communities, and ensuring access to opportunity, primarily through data-driven research, policy development, and community-focused interventions.
Center for the Study of Social Policy
The Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and advocating for public policies that ensure the well-being and prosperity of vulnerable children, families, and communities. Currently, they provide resources like the "Building Resilience in Troubled Times" guide for parents, as well as developing initiatives that promote racial equity, improve child welfare, and foster support for early childhood systems among other projects.