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 The communities in which children and families live can affect children in a positive or negative fashion. Research has shown that there are significant reductions in crime and violence, for example, when recreational facilities exist in neighborhoods. Also, high traffic areas, abandoned homes, and lack of grocery stores or libraries are negatively correlated with children’s well being.

The Wisconsin Children's Trust Fund Place-Based Initiatives: The Wisconsin Children’s Trust Fund provides funding for place-based initiatives that target counties that appeared to be at high risk or very high risk compared to other Wisconsin counties. Place-based initiatives provide coordinated multi-system approaches to child maltreatment prevention in communities that show high risk for child abuse and neglect. An RFP will be released in August of 2011. Planning grants will start in January of 2012.

The Zilber Neighborhood Initiative: In 2008, the Zilber Family Foundation announced a $50 million commitment to improve the quality of life in Milwaukee neighborhoods. starting with Lindsay Heights and Clarke Square and formed a partnership—called the Zilber Neighborhood Initiative.

Durham Family Initiative: The Durham Family Initiative is a community-based effort to help families at risk of child abuse become self-sufficient and supportive of their children's health, growth and development; to help stressed neighborhoods become supportive environments for children and families; to help the Durham community support families and neighborhoods; and to help public and private service organizations integrate their services so they can most effectively promote child well-being and prevent child abuse among Durham's children and families.

Harlem Children's Zone: Called "one of the most ambitious social-service experiments of our time," by The New York Times, the Harlem Children's Zone Project is a unique, holistic approach to rebuilding a community so that its children can stay on track through college and go on to the job market. 

Child Trends: Child Trends developed a neighborhood support index using positive attributes that have been shown to support children's growth and development.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC found that children who feel connected to school, have adults at school, and friends who are interested in them and care about their success exhibit healthier behaviors and school success.