Strategies to Strengthen Families and Prevent Abuse

Informal social support networks
(families and friends): Parents need support from people they know and trust, who can assist with child care
and offer help when needed.

Parent education and support:
Through parenting classes and support groups, parents can learn about child development, gain non-punitive
discipline and guidance skills, learn techniques for managing family life and reducing stress, and connect
with other parents who share similar experiences.

Home visiting:
Trained home visitors offer consistent, intensive support to a family that is stressed or isolated, and provide
tailored assistance to meet family needs.

Family support centers [PDF File]:
Based in neighborhood settings such as schools or community centers, family support centers are welcoming
places where families gather and gain access to a variety of services, such as parent support, child
developmental screening, life skills, and English as a Second Language classes.

Respite care programs:
Parenting is a tough job, and there are times when parents need a break. Respite and crisis care
programs offer safe, nurturing care for children while parents take time out to address their own needs.

Public education:
Media campaigns can be effective in raising community awareness of issues such as the need for greater
support for families, the critical importance of the first three years of children's development, and
effective strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Protective Factors: [PDF File]

WCPCAN routinely reviews the literature and information on best practices in child abuse prevention. Through that process we have determined that the following 8 protective factors make the most difference in determining a child’s chances for growing up in a protective environment. Programs that support these protective factors have the greatest chance of preventing child abuse and supporting families. WCPCAN funded programs must focus on and demonstrate positive outcomes in at least one of the following protective factor goals.