Protective Factor	Definition
Caring school environment	attends a school that demonstrates a strong interest in the safety and well-being of its students
Involvement in extracurricular activities	engaged in sports, school committees, etc., that provide stability and positive school experience
Positive school experiences	enjoys/enjoyed attending school and generally has/had a positive social experience while at school
School activities involving the family	school and family supports are connected through activities

Family Supports

Protective Factor	Definition
Adequate parental supervision	caregivers are actively involved in ensuring safety and well- being
Both parents involved in childcare	two parents that are both strong, positive figures in their life
Family life is integrated into the life of the community	family life is integrated into the life of the community, creating strong social bonds
Open communication among family members	communication among family members allows for open and honest dialogue to discuss problems
Parental level of education	parents have at least received their high school diplomas
Positive relationship with spouse	relationship with spouse is positive and their spouse positively affects their thoughts, actions or decisions
Positive support within the family	positive and supportive caregivers/relatives whom they can rely on
Single parent family with a strong father or mother figure	although they are from a single parent family, they have one strong, positive father or mother figure
Stability of the family unit	consistent family environment
Strong family bond	relationships with parents and/or other family members based on bond which may prevent them from engaging in delinquent behaviour
Strong parenting skills	strong parental monitoring, discipline, clear standards and/or limits set with child/youth

Financial Security and Employment

Protective Factor	Definition
Financial stability	financially stable and able to provide the necessities of life
Ongoing financial supplement	receiving a financial supplement which provides a regular non- taxable benefit (e.g., housing subsidy, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Old Age Security, Ontario Disability Support Program, etc.)