A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES

For 27 years, Children’s Trust has focused on creating a world without child abuse and neglect. Because national research shows that the Protective Factors (listed below) reduce incidents of child abuse, we’ve supported this work in communities throughout the state and made Washington a place where more children and families find the support they need before they reach a crisis point.

A world without child abuse is possible when family-serving organizations and systems are cultivated through the Protective Factors. When the Protective Factors are present within families, children are given the optimal conditions to thrive and grow.

THE PROTECTIVE FACTORS

Family Functioning and Resiliency

Families must have adaptive skills and strategies to persevere in times of crisis. Families then gain the ability to openly share positive and negative experiences and mobilize to accept, solve, and manage problems.

Responsive Social Network

Perceived informal support (from family, friends, and neighbors) helps provide emotional support – focused on eliminating family isolation.  Families who are socially isolated present a key risk factor for abuse and neglect.

Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development

Understanding and utilizing effective child management techniques and having age-appropriate expectations for children’s abilities is vital to ensuring that discipline and expectations do not become abusive or neglectful to the child.

Concrete Support in Times of Need

Access to tangible goods and services to help families cope with stress, particularly in times of crisis or intensified need.

Nurturing and Bonding

The emotional tie along with a pattern of positive interaction between the parent and child that develops over time is a key factor to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.