Resilience has been defined as the maintenance of healthy ⁄ successful functioning or adaptation within the context of a significant adversity or threat. The Strengthening Families Approach includes; parental resilience, social connections, concrete support in times of need, knowledge of parenting and child development, and social and emotional competence of children. According to the Center for the Study of Social Policy, research shows that these protec­tive factors are also “promotive” factors that build family strengths and a family environment that promotes optimal child and youth development.

Protective Factors within the family and community that help promote resiliency among children and teens:

• Strong cultural identity
• Access to health care
• Stable housing
• Economic stability–ability to earn a livable wage
• Social support–connections to family and friends
• Affiliation with a supportive religious or faith community