This report examines the evidence that social capital acts as a protective shield for children, families and communities under stress. It makes the case that government should increase activities that strengthen social capital and networks to support families to stay safely together. 

It specifically examines how social capital may influence the numbers of children in care, the incidence of child abuse, domestic violence, adolescent crime and the impact on the mental health of children. It identifies four mechanisms that can strengthen social capital. Across all of these, it finds that trust is a prerequisite for developing strong social fabric in communities. 

Mechanisms to strengthen social capital

1. Community meetings and gatherings
2. Advocacy and mobilisation
3. Extracurricular and cultural activities
4. Positive family interactions

The report is the second in a series on Social Capital 2025 that examines social capital and the contribution that strengthening it makes to improving economic and social outcomes, including for children, wellbeing and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.