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Social Connections

Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves. Most parents need people they can call on once in a while when they need a sympathetic listener, advice, or concrete support. Research has shown that parents who are isolated, with few social connections, are at higher risk for child abuse and neglect.

Social Connections Center for the Study of Social Policy Explanation of this protective factor and how early care and education programs contribute. Relationships Matter: How Agencies Can Support Family and Social Network Development (PDF - 231 KB) Annie E. Casey Foundation (2006) Reports on the discussions and lessons learned about social networks gathered from visits with families conducted by Casey's social network team.

Children Who Prosper in Unfavorable Environments: The Relationship to Social Capital
Runyan, Hunter, Socolar, Amaya-Jackson, English, Landsverk, & Dubowitz
Pediatrics, 101(1), 1998
Examines the association between social relationships and child development, suggesting that social capital may have an impact on children's well-being as early as the preschool years.

The Circle of Parents Program: Increasing Social Support for Parents and Caregivers (PDF - 93 KB)
Gay
North Carolina Medical Journal, 66(5), 2005
Describes strategies of a parenting support program that provides weekly group meetings for parents, and shares findings on program effectiveness.

Families: Creating Solutions to the Problems Within (PDF - 947 KB)
American Humane
National Humane Review, 6(1), 2007
Highlights the role of grandparents and extended family in raising children, initiatives to increase the involvement of non-resident fathers, and the benefits of kinship care.

Incorporating Parental Goals in Parenting Programs Through Collaborative Relationships With Parents
Fox
Journal of Extension, 43(1), 2005
Details evidence of the influence of goals on parenting practices and provides suggestions for incorporating parent goals into parenting programs.

Prevention of Child Neglect: Toward a Community-Level Approach
Hashima (2005)
In Child Victimization: Maltreatment, Bullying and Dating Violence, Prevention and Intervention
View Abstract
Presents an ecological perspective of child neglect that emphasizes the importance of social capital in reducing the risk for maltreatment.

The Role of Social Supports in Child Neglect
Gaudin (2001)
In The CPS Response to Child Neglect: An Administrator's Guide to Theory, Policy, Program Design and Case Practice
View Abstract
Identifies the components of high-quality support for caregivers, explains how to assess social support, and discusses intervention strategies that successfully improve social supports and parenting skills for families.

Social Capital, Family Violence, and Neglect
Zolotor & Runyan
Pediatrics, 117(6), 2006
This study found that increasing social capital decreases the odds of neglectful parenting, psychologically harsh parenting, and domestic violence but not harsh physical punishment.

Social Support: Improving Outcomes for Adolescent Parents and Their Children (PDF - 387 KB)
Florida State University Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy (2005)
Outlines the research on social and emotional support for teen parents, including guidance, social reinforcement, practical assistance with the tasks of daily living, and social stimulation.

Social Support and Parenting in Poor, Dangerous Neighborhoods (PDF - 189 KB)
Ceballo & McLoyd
Child Development, 73(4), 2002
Investigates how stressful environmental conditions influence the relationship between mothers' social support and parenting strategies.

Social Support for Parents: An Important Resource for Families (PDF - 148 KB)
Search Institute (2003)
Examines research findings indicating that most parents do not seek support or help and discusses the positive effects of support from others and ways to support parents.

Social Networks Make a Difference: Family Economic Success (PDF - 1600 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2007)
Describes the ways a social networks approach can contribute to the success of vulnerable families.

Tapping the Power of Social Networks: Understanding the Role of Social Networks in Strengthening Families and Transforming Communities (PDF - 367 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2006)
Compiles relevant definitions, key findings from the literature and their challenges, and Casey's point of view on the potential niche for strengthening positive social networks in the context of the Foundation's Making Connections initiative.

What to Do: 150 Things You Can Do to Build Social Capital
The Saguaro Seminar on Civic Engagement in America (2000)
A list of nearly 150 ideas to build social capital, drawn from suggestions made by diverse people and groups.

	Related Information Gateway Topics Systemwide: Assessing family connections and resources

Updated on February 2, 2010