Strengthening Families Illinois is a proven, cost-effective initiative to prevent child abuse and neglect that brings together early childhood center staff, parents, child welfare agencies, and others to strengthen families with young children.

Research shows that six Protective Factors are crucial in order for parents to keep their families strong:

1. Parental Resilience (Being strong and flexible)

2. Social Connections (Parents need friends)

3. Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development (Being a great parent is part natural and part learned)

4. Concrete Support in Times of Need (We all need help sometimes)

5. Social and Emotional Competence of Children (Parents need to help their children communicate)

6. Healthy Parent Child Relationships (Give your children the love and respect they need)

Quality preschool, Head Start, and other early childhood programs in centers and in homes are the best place to build these Protective Factors.

Strengthening Families Illinois is partnering with early childhood programs, child welfare professionals, and parents to bring this innovative, cost-effective approach to Illinois through a collaboration of 40+ agencies and organizations convened by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Click on the links below to find information on:

• Strengthening Families Illinois Learning Networks of early childhood programs working to embed the approach in their programs


• The Love Is Not Enough To Keep Your Family Strong Campaign for families


• Love Is Not Enough Parent Cafes for families


• Strengthening Families Illinois partner organizations and work groups


• Resources and materials for a variety of audiences

Or click here to access the Strengthening Families Illinois Message Board and Discussion Forum

Explore our Web site to learn more about the Strengthening Families approach and what you can do to help keep families strong as an early childhood education provider, caseworker, administrator, parent, or community member.