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BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES - AGES 9-26

3/8/2026

Youth Thrive:
Protective & Promotive Factors

Center for the Study of Social Policy, Children's Network of Solano County

Family Portrait at the Park

Youth Thrive: Protective and Promotive Factors are research-based elements designed to enhance well-being and reduce risk for youth aged 9–26, particularly those facing adversity. Developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), the framework focuses on five key areas: youth resilience, social connections, knowledge of adolescent development, concrete supports, and cognitive and social-emotional competence.

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In this article, we’ll explore each factor, share practical strategies, and show how these elements can help young people build the skills, supports, and environments they need to thrive.

Study

1. Youth Resilience

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Youth resilience involves managing daily stressors, navigating challenges and trauma, maintaining a positive outlook, and developing self-confidence, hope, and a sense of purpose. It also includes learning from failure, making productive decisions, and seeking help when needed.

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Practical tips:

  • Encourage youth to reflect on past challenges and how they overcame them

  • Celebrate small achievements to build confidence and self-efficacy

  • Model healthy coping strategies for stress, anger, and sadness

  • Help youth set realistic goals and create actionable steps to achieve them

  • Foster hope and optimism by discussing future possibilities

  • Encourage taking responsibility for choices and learning from mistakes

  • Support youth in seeking help when needed

Friends On Rollercoaster

2. Social Connections

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Social connections are the trusting relationships youth build with caring adults and peers, as well as their constructive engagement with safe, stable, and equitable institutions. These connections provide emotional, informational, and practical support, helping youth feel valued, secure, and empowered.

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Practical tips:

  • Help youth identify at least one caring adult they can trust for guidance

  • Encourage participation in clubs, sports, or other structured activities

  • Support positive peer relationships with peers who share similar values

  • Facilitate safe and meaningful engagement in school, religious, or community programs

  • Promote mentoring programs or peer support groups

  • Encourage opportunities for youth to give back or help others

  • Provide emotional support and guidance in navigating challenges

Parent and Child

3. Knowledge of Adolescent Development

 

Knowledge of adolescent development involves understanding physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes that occur during adolescence, including brain development, puberty, identity formation, life skills, and positive risk-taking.

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Practical tips:

  • Share age-appropriate information about physical, emotional, and brain development

  • Discuss healthy decision-making, relationships, and boundaries

  • Teach essential life skills such as money management and problem-solving

  • Encourage youth to explore their personal values and identity

  • Support goal-setting and planning for academic, personal, and career growth

  • Provide guidance on managing risk in safe, positive ways

  • Model understanding and respect for developmental changes and challenges

Clothing Drive Event

4. Concrete Support in Times of Need

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Concrete support refers to identifying, accessing, and receiving essential services and resources while being treated with respect and dignity, including medical, mental health, educational, legal, or social support.

 

Practical tips:

  • Help youth identify and access basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare

  • Connect youth to mental health, social, educational, or legal services when needed

  • Teach youth how to advocate for themselves and understand their rights

  • Guide youth in navigating service systems effectively

  • Encourage resourcefulness and seeking help without shame

  • Ensure youth are treated respectfully when accessing services

Group On Staircase

5. Cognitive & Social-Emotional Competence

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Cognitive and social-emotional competence involves developing executive function skills, self-regulation, character strengths, positive emotions, self-awareness, responsibility, and goal-directed behaviors.

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Practical tips:

  • Encourage self-reflection to build self-awareness and self-esteem

  • Teach problem-solving and decision-making skills

  • Support goal-setting and planning for future achievements

  • Promote emotional regulation strategies and coping skills

  • Foster character strengths such as persistence, gratitude, and integrity

  • Encourage optimism, hope, and positive emotional experiences

  • Provide opportunities for youth to envision and work toward the person they want to become

Conclusion

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By understanding and applying these Protective and Promotive Factors, adults can help youth build resilience, strengthen relationships, develop essential life skills, and navigate challenges with confidence. Fostering these skills and supports empowers young people to thrive, even in the face of adversity, and lays the foundation for healthy, successful futures.

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Content adapted from the Youth Thrive: Protective and Promotive Factors Framework, Center for the Study of Social Policy.

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