Resilience is the capacity of a person to do well facing difficult conditions in life. This implies capacities of resistance and of positive construction. Discovering the ways to contribute to resilience in children can begin with examination of resilient children. Research has suggested five interlinking bases for resilience: (1) social support networks based on the unconditional acceptance of the child as a person; (2) capacity to discover meaning in life, including spiritual life and religion; (3) skills and the feeling of having some control over what happens in life; (4) self-esteem; and (5) sense of humor. Resilience is built in a variety of areas in interaction and always develops in a concrete context of local circumstances and culture that must be taken into account in any efforts to build resilience. Whether the perspective is that of social policy or religious initiative, building resilience benefits the child and the child welfare worker. (Contains 17 references.) (SLD)