Description

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.

Two Rivers Head Start Agency & Strengthening Families Collaboration will be hosting a Network Launch for the Greater Aurora Area (Southern Kane County) at Colonial Cafe on March 15, 2010 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Community Organizational Leaders willing to serve as a collaboration are encouraged to attend. RSVP is required. Please contact Mayra Juarez at (630) 264-1444.