This course will provide an overview of the Strengthening Families movement and the protective factors framework and ideas for how you can apply these concepts in your work. This training is designed to be used by anyone who works with children and families – in any field. We use a mix of examples from early care and education settings, child welfare settings, and family interactions.

This course will provide an overview how to reduce isolation and increase social supports for parents and families. When parents feel disconnected from other family or close friends, their level of parental stress can become overwhelming, undermining their ability to parent effectively, and may potentially lead to abuse and neglect. Social connections lessen that isolation factor and – subsequently – lessen the likelihood of child maltreatment.  

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the value of helping parents and families connect to others

• Discuss at least three ways that you can encourage parents to make these connections.

• Create some concrete plans to assist parents in developing social connections