Guideline 1: Address and modify risk and protective factors that indicate possible mental health concerns

Best practice guidelines for mental health promotion programs: Children & Youth

Address and modify risk and protective factors, including determinants of health, that indicate possible mental health concerns, substance use or violence in children, youth, and/or parents or caregivers by:

• identifying the population(s) of concern
• identifying relevant protective factors, risk factors and determinants of health
• assessing which factors and health determinants can be modified
• developing a plan to enhance the protective factors, reduce the risk factors and influence the determinants of heath relevant to the population(s) of concern.

Examples of protective factors include:

• social skills
• family harmony
• positive school climate
• positive life events in childhood
• attachment to and networks within the community.

Examples of risk factors include:

• insecure attachment in an infant or child
• family violence and conflict
• poor attachment to school
• negative life events in childhood
• neighbourhood violence and crime.

Examples of determinants of health include:

• adequate housing
• employment and working conditions
• income and income distribution
• social supports
• freedom from discrimination and violence
• gender, age, and ethnoracial/ethnocultural background
• physical environment.

Programs that incorporate Guideline 1 are:

• The School Mental Health Program (SMHP)
• Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY)
• The Yale–New Haven Primary Prevention Program
• Miyupimaatisiiuwin Wellness Curriculum (MWC)
• Gatehouse Project
• Penn Prevention Program
• Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP)
• Strengthening Families for the Future (SFF)

Learn more

Review examples of protective factors and risk factors.

Next >>

• Print