Protective Factors for Youth Involved in Systems of Care

Outlines how youth involved in systems of care—such as child welfare, juvenile justice, and social services—benefit when adults and institutions focus on protective factors, not just risks. It explains the key protective factors across four domains (individual, relationships, community, and society) and shows how these strengths help youth cope with adversity, build resilience, and achieve healthier long‑term outcomes. It also provides research‑informed actions that practitioners and systems can take to intentionally strengthen these supports.