Strengthening Families – Center for the Study of Social Policy
1575 Eye Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
Ph (202) 371-1565
F (202) 371-1472
Across the country, early care and education programs, child welfare departments, and others are using the Strengthening Families approach to build five Protective Factors in families: 1) Parental resilience; 2) Social connections; 3) Knowledge of parenting and child development; 4) Concrete support in times of need; and 5) Children’s social and emotional development.
Research shows that these factors reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect by providing parents with what they need to parent effectively, even under stress. By building relationships with families, programs can recognize signs of stress and build families’ Protective Factors with timely, effective help.
The Center for the Study of Social Policy maintains the website containing the most current information and research about the strategies associated with the Strengthening Families approach.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
1509 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-1426
Ph (800) 424-2460 or (202) 232-8777
F (202) 328-1846
Largest membership organization of early childhood professionals. Works to increase public understanding and support for high-quality programs for young children and their families through public policy and public education initiatives. Collaborates with media representatives and government representatives at all levels to advocate for services for children and families.
675 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite 200
Claremont, CA 91711-3475
Ph (909) 621-6184
F (909) 625-6304
parentsanonymous@parentsanonymous.org
National organization that provides technical assistance and training on a variety of leadership skills for parents. Trains parents to train other parents to operate mutual support groups. Based on a vision that establishing parent input, leadership and mutual support are essential components in strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect.
2228 Ball Drive
St. Louis, MO 63132
Ph (314) 432-4330 or (888) 728-4968
F (314) 432-8963
PAT trains parents to be parent educators in its nationally replicated program to provide parents with the information and support they need to give their children the best possible start in life. Parents become certified to conduct home visits, coordinate group meetings, conduct developmental screenings, and link parents with providers of service and support. Parent educators work in partnership with the school and the community. Offers a variety of training and technical assistance.
This website is maintained by the Head Start Bureau as an electronic resource for Head Start service providers, parents, volunteers, community organizations and others, who share an interest in helping children look forward to a brighter future.
Family Resource, Information, Education and Network Development Service (FRIENDS)
FRIENDS is the National Resource Center for the Community Based Family Resource and Support Program, under a cooperative agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children, Youth and Families, and the Office on Child Abuse and Neglect. The CBFRS program was established by Title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Amendments of 1996. The purpose of the CBFRS program is to support state efforts to create and support a statewide network of community-based, family-centered, prevention-focused family resource and support programs, in order to strengthen families and reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect.
National Center on Fathers and Families
University of Pennsylvania
3440 Market Street, Suite 450
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Ph (215) 573-5500
NCOFF’s primary goals are to: Expand the knowledge base on father involvement, family efficacy and child well-being, within multiple disciplines through research and development, integrated discussion and information building to strengthen practice through practitioner-targeted conversations, information dissemination and collaborative activities and to contribute to critical policy discussions by creating a coherent agenda of work that is built around existing and emerging local, state and federal efforts.