The document discusses the Strengthening Families initiative, which aims to promote optimal child development and prevent child abuse. It does this through a framework focused on building protective factors in families and communities, rather than targeting individual risks. The initiative started in early childhood programs but has expanded to other fields. Research identified factors reducing abuse and how programs build these. Pilot programs showed how policy and practice must change to implement the model statewide through partnerships. Now many states and organizations support the approach through leadership teams coordinating efforts across early childhood and social services.