ED335781 EA023260
Title: Fostering Resiliency in Kids: Protective Factors in the Family,
School, and Community.
Author(s): Benard, Bonnie
Author Affiliation: Western Center for Drug-Free Schools and Communities.(BBB26577)
Pages: 32
Publication Date: August 1991
Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education, Washington, DC. (EDD00001)
Contract No: S188A00001
Available from: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage.
Language: English
Document Type: Information Analysis (070); Opinion papers (120)
Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon
Journal Announcement: RIEJAN1992
A challenge
for the 1990s is the implementation of prevention strategies that
strengthen protective factors in families, schools, and communities.
Protective factors refer to positive action strategies that build
resiliency in youth. After a brief overview of protection factor
research, the major protective factors that contribute to the development
of resiliency in youth and the implications for building effective
prevention programs are discussed. Support, high expectations, and
encouragement of youth participation are family, school, and community
protective factors. A conclusion is that the increasing numbers
of students experiencing risk due to economic deprivation necessitate
a systems perspective in prevention strategies. From this perspective,
a major underlying factor of social problems is the gradual destruction
of naturally occurring social networks in the community. Strategies
based on power sharing and reciprocity, such as mentoring and cooperative
learning, are advocated to strengthen these social bonds and to
promote the protective factors of support, high expectations, and
participation. School community linkages and communitywide collaboration
are also crucial. (138 references) (LMI)
Descriptors: *Child Development; Community Support; Elementary Secondary
Education; Family Environment; *Family School Relationship; *Interpersonal
Competence; *School Community Relationship; *Social Development;
Social Influences; Student Participation
Identifiers: *Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
