The concept of resilience is based on the theory that particular traits or "protective factors" such as caring relationships and high expectations help strengthen people?s resolve, enabling them to persist during adversity. Researchers have found that resilience is an attribute that can be developed and fostered within an individual (Benard 1999).Schools,families,and communities can all take steps to build resilience in young people.The resiliency building process begins by focusing on underlying protective factors apparent in those who do not become involved in adverse situations. Protective factors are the characteristics within a person or the environment that serve as a defense during stressful life events.