Infusing protective factors for children in foster care.

This article looks at an example of infusing protective factors into a child welfare system. Focusing on Illinois and its state child welfare agency, the article reviews some of the research on the relationship between risk behaviors and protective factors of traumatized youth. Next, it looks at adapting treatment and evidence-based early intervention practices to local child welfare settings. These interventions are placed in the wider context of a state plan to enhance protective factors. The article reviews how the state and local plans have been influenced by federal policies and how the Illinois experience might help refine future policy.