"There is nothing more precious to a parent than a child, and nothing more important to our future than the safety of all our children" - Unknown

Protecting children is a fundamental responsibility, yet past experiences and unresolved trauma can sometimes shape how we perceive risks. The STAND: Parents as Protectors program is designed to help parents, carers, and guardians navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence. By understanding how the brain filters information based on past experiences, participants can learn to identify subtle but significant signs of danger—ensuring that instinct and awareness work together to safeguard young lives.

This trauma-informed approach to parenting acknowledges that survival responses can sometimes obscure critical cues. Rather than viewing this as a failing, STAND empowers individuals to recognise these patterns, break through self-doubt, and take decisive action to protect children.

The program is free to attend and hosted in Google Classroom, offering flexible access to modules covering essential topics such as grooming prevention, emotional regulation, and resilience-building. Participants can engage with the content at their own pace, fostering deeper reflection and practical application.

STAND proudly collaborates with Safeguarding Fundamentals, an organisation committed to raising standards in child protection. Their expertise aligns with our mission to equip parents, carers, and professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to recognise and respond to the early signs of grooming and abuse.

Recent research underscores the importance of trauma-informed parenting. Studies highlight that parents who have experienced trauma may face unique challenges in safeguarding their children, but structured programs can significantly improve protective instincts and parental confidence. Evidence also supports the effectiveness of trauma-informed approaches in strengthening family resilience and reducing intergenerational harm.

Together, we can create safer environments where children can grow, thrive, and remain free from harm. Your commitment to learning and protecting makes a real difference.

• Supporting Trauma-Experienced Parents– Research in Practice provides guidance on trauma-informed approaches in child protection, highlighting how past trauma can shape parental perceptions and engagement with safeguarding professionals. You can explore their findings here.
• Trauma-Informed Parenting – This initiative supports parents, carers, and professionals working with children affected by trauma, offering strategies to improve mental health, strengthen relationships, and break generational cycles of harm. More details can be found here.
• The Effectiveness of Trauma-Informed Parenting Programs – A meta-analytic study published in Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review examines the impact of trauma-informed parenting programs on parental confidence, mental health, and child development outcomes. The study highlights the effectiveness of structured interventions in improving protective instincts and reducing intergenerational harm. You can read the full study here.