Fairfax County Youth Survey results show that when children and youth have three or more positive protective factors in their lives, they are more likely to:
• Manage Stress
• Make Better Choices
• Develop Healthy Habits
“Protective Factors” refers to the supports, opportunities and relationships our youth need across all aspects of their lives to achieve their potential. They also include personal skills, commitments and values they need to make good choices, take responsibility for their own lives, and be independent and fulfilled.
Six protective factors (assets) from the Youth Survey that are in Three to Succeed include:
There are many more “Protective Factors” than just those listed above. The Search Institute – a nationally-recognized non-profit youth research organization – has outlined 40 protective factors (they term “developmental assets”) that youth need to thrive.
No matter who you are and what role you play in the lives of the children and youth you interact with, there are easy ways to help them excel. Some examples include:
Parents:
Teachers/Educators:
Neighbors, Coaches, Community Youth Leaders:
YES! Whether you believe it or not, our children and youth are watching and listening - the Youth Survey proves it! One of the strongest predictors of whether youth participate in risky behaviors is what their parents and other adults in the community think about it. As the examples below show, youth are much less likely to use alcohol or other drugs when they believe that their parents or caregivers don't approve and set clear rules about substance use.
Fairfax County Youth Survey data show that the more protective factors a youth has the less likely they are to engage in risky behavior.
Additionally, the Youth Survey clearly shows that students who say that there are caring adults present in their lives are significantly less likely to be engaged in risky behaviors or report poor mental health conditions.
Three to Succeed Data from the 2025-2026 Youth Survey report.
Whether you are a parent, a professional service provider or a supporting cast member in the lives of children and youth, the information and resources provided here are valuable tools for building awareness of the critical role adults have in the lives of children and youth in Fairfax County. We’ve prepared a number of ways you can help us spread the word about “3 to Succeed”—including printed handouts, graphics, video and other social media content. Please check out our tools below and feel free to share as widely and as frequently as you desire!
