Discuss

This reflection asks you to apply the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework to a real-world family scenario. The goal is not to diagnose or judge the family, but to practice strengths-based, prevention-focused thinking that is central to child welfare and human services work. The Five Protective Factors Review the five Protective Factors below. Each factor represents a strength that can help reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect and promote family well-being. Parental Resilience Child Welfare Information Gateway guide Social Connections Child Welfare Information Gateway guide Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Child Welfare Information Gateway guide Concrete Support in Times of Need Economic and Concrete Supports overview Social and Emotional Competence of Children Child Welfare Information Gateway guide In this reflection, choose one Protective Factor and apply it to the Toussaint family scenario below. Think like a developing practitioner by identifying: how this Protective Factor is already present or emerging in the family, and how it could be strengthened through informal supports or formal services. For example, you might focus on parental resilience and explore how Jean and Marie manage stress related to work, finances, and parenting demands. Or, you might examine social connections by considering the role of their church, extended family, and communityand where additional support may be needed. Your reflection should highlight both strengths and opportunities. What is already helping this family function well? What small, realistic supports or changes could help them thrive? How might this Protective Factor connect their cultural identity, faith community, and child- and family-serving systems? Write your response in your own words (250500 words). This assignment is graded for completion and thoughtful effort, not perfection. Focus on showing that you understand how Protective Factors work in real families. Helpful Resources CSSP Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework Florida Department of Children and Families Child Welfare Practice Model This reflection aligns with Module 5 objectives (CO 5) and prepares you for applying these concepts more formally in the Nayati Case in Module 6. The Toussaint Family Case Study Background The Toussaint family is a second-generation Haitian American household living in South Florida. Parents Jean (38) and Marie (36) are raising three children: Luc (12), Amara (9), and Jonas (5). Jean works as a delivery driver with unpredictable hours, while Marie works part-time as a CNA and is the primary caregiver for Jonas. Both parents immigrated as children and balance Haitian cultural traditions with U.S. norms. The family is active in their church, which provides emotional and spiritual support but limited financial assistance. They rent a small apartment in a mixed-immigrant neighborhood. Current Situation Family strengths include: A strong commitment to education; Luc attends a STEM afterschool program, and Marie communicates regularly with teachers. Cultural pride and community connection through language, food, and Haitian cultural events. Some extended family support for childcare, even though relatives also experience financial strain. Current challenges include: Ongoing economic stress related to rent and medical expenses for Maries mother. Jeans unpredictable work hours, which increase Maries daily stress managing routines and discipline. Amaras growing anxiety related to family tension and peer relationships. Jonass difficulty with bedtime routines and inconsistent parenting approaches. Family Dynamics As you reflect, pay attention to patterns in relationships, communication, and caregiving that connect directly to the Protective Factors. Ask yourself which factors are being supported by these dynamics and which may need intentional reinforcement. Parental relationship: Jean and Marie are committed to one another but experience tension related to finances, exhaustion, and differing role expectations. Parenting approaches: The parents value respect, education, and obedience. Under stress, they sometimes rely on stricter discipline approaches modeled from their own childhoods. Childrens experiences: Luc (12): Responsible and academically successful, but at times feels pressure to take on adult responsibilities. Amara (9): Creative and socially engaged, with increasing anxiety related to family tension and peer relationships at school. She appears sensitive to conflict and may internalize worries rather than express them directly. Jonas (5): Energetic and affectionate, but struggles with bedtime routines and emotional regulation. Inconsistency in parenting responsesespecially when caregivers are tired or stressedseems to contribute to challenges with sleep and transitions. As you apply the Protective Factors Framework, consider how each childs experience reflects both strengths and vulnerabilities within the family system. Think about how protective factors operate not just at the parent level, but across the whole familysupporting childrens emotional development while also reducing stress on caregivers. Submission Details Length: 250500 words Format: Paragraph form is fine (no headings required). Write in your own words. Grading: Completion and thoughtful effort What to include: Identify one Protective Factor, describe where it shows up in the Toussaint family, and name 12 realistic ways it could be strengthened through informal supports and/or formal services. Tip: Stay strengths-based. Youre not diagnosing the familyyoure practicing prevention-focused thinking: what supports well-being, reduces stress, and helps this family thrive.