Personal social networks as a focus for primary prevention of child mistreatment

This article explores the nature and functions of social networks as support systems, and the relationship between social networks and early child rearing. The rationale and operational design of a primary prevention program which seeks to strengthen the social networks of parents of very young children are presented. It is concluded that personal social networks are important not only in mediating general life stress, but also support parental child-rearing responsibilities and, therefore, can serve as primary preventives of child abuse.