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. Be strong and flexible

2. Parents need friends

3. Being a great parent is part natural and part learned

4. We all need help sometimes

5. Parents need to help their children communicate

6. 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.

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.