Naruemon Auemaneekul; Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.Wilawan Senaratana; Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.Yuwayong Juntarawijit; Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.Kasara Sripichyakan; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.Barbara J. Ensign; Associate Professor, Department of Psychosocial \& Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.2011-02-222011-02-222009-10-052009-10-05Thai Journal of Nursing Research; Vol.13 No.3 July-September 2009http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/132451Abstract: This community-based, participatory research was undertaken with the aim to develop a model for promoting child protection in Northern Thailand. Semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, participant activities and observations,group meetings and brainstorming were conducted among children, parents, villagers and key community leaders of one rural community in Chiang Mai province,Thailand. Content analysis was utilized for analyzing qualitative data. The model demonstrated three levels of protective factors for child protection. At the individual level, both children and parents needed to be equipped with the skills and knowledge of child protection. At the family level, the focus was onpromoting family warmth and applying sufficient economy. At the community level, the emphasis was on promoting public awareness, encouraging a child protection network, and developing a community child protection master plan. Community mobilization supported the sense of belonging and sustainability of the project. The participation evaluation indicated change outcomes in terms of more network interest, raising public awareness, improving capacity,  disseminating knowledge, and committing and implementing community child protection policy.The study outlines implications for nursing research, education and practice regarding child protection. Culturally appropriate activities and programs also were encouraged.en-USThailand Nursing and Midwifery Council, Ministry of Public Health, ThailandArticles