Shifting Child Protection Assessments From a Deficit Focus to Assessments Informed by Strengths and Protective Factors: Translating Research Knowledge to Practice

ABSTRACT

Child protection systems play a critical role in preventing and responding to child maltreatment, yet practices are often predominantly deficit focused. This paper presents a rapid literature review on the strengths, protective factors, and cultural considerations to inform child protection assessment. Searches were conducted across key databases, alongside grey literature from key Australian organisations, and consultation with Aboriginal and Community Controlled Organisations. We synthesised 38 studies examining strengths, protective factors, or cultural considerations using a narrative approach. Key strengths included parental warmth, quality service provision and social support, and emotional resilience in children. Protective factors included coping skills, paternal involvement, parental education and employment, economic stability, access to culturally safe services, and strong kinship, cultural identity, and connection to culture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. We found that most studies focused on the buffering effects after maltreatment has occurred, with limited attention to prevention of harm or creation of safety. We propose the Reservoir Model, a framework that conceptualises families as holding protective resources and strengths while also facing challenges or risks that may undermine them. This model encourages holistic, culturally responsive assessment that leverages families' capacities while addressing vulnerabilities, supporting more equitable and effective child protection practice.