© 2000 Jordan Institute
for Families

Vol. 3, No. 1
April 1998

Protective Traits

Working together, social workers and families can identify resilient traits and build them into intervention plans. Some traits to look for include:

• Communication--family members discuss things openly.

• Bonding and mutual respect--an emotional connection among two or more family members.

• Adaptability--family members can respond to changing circumstances.

• Resourcefulness--when families are in a bind/crisis, they can think of and achieve alternative plans.

• Commitment--to each other and to family goals.

• A present caring adult--a family member, friend, mentor on which the child/family can rely.

• Problem-solving skills--the family is able to process problems and come up with solutions.

Source

Pike, L. (1996). Family resiliency (on-line). Available: <http://www.exnet.iasta...ons/Resiliency/q.a.html>. (Web address no longer functional.)

© 1998 Jordan Institute for Families