When parents possess six protective factors, the risk for abuse and neglect diminish.  These factors are:

• Nurturing and attachment
• Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
• Parental resilience
• Social connections
• Concrete supports for parents
• Social and emotional developmental well-being

Everyone's participation in protecting children is critical.  Focusing on ways to build and promote the protective factors in every interaction with children and families is the best thing a community can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development. 

For more information, visit:  https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/