A Review of Published Literature on Supporting and Strengthening Child-Caregiver Relationships (Parenting)

Funders, policymakers, and program implementers have widely accepted family strengthening as a core component of effective responses to protect children affected by AIDS and poverty. Economic assistance is recognized as a key aspect of a family strengthening approach, but less is known about effective methods for supporting parenting and caregiving. Research on strengthening parenting has been limited in settings where children and families are affected by AIDS and poverty. However, positive results from parenting support programs in high-income countries provide solid grounds for optimism. These programs have been shown to be effective in improving parenting skills and child outcomes, despite being culture-bound and labor-intensive. Reproducing these programs in low- and middle-income countries would be challenging and costly, but research suggests that there is flexibility within known parameters associated with greater effectiveness. Theoretical bases for parent support programs are well-established, drawing on expertise gained over nearly 100 years of interventions to support parenting. These programs often focus on building on the resources and capacities of children, caregivers, families, and communities. A strengths-based approach is recommended, taking into account universal features of children's development and their relationships with caregivers, while also considering cultural and local context. Parenting support programs have been shown to be effective in improving parenting skills and child outcomes, particularly in high-income countries. However, there is a need for more research on effective methods for supporting parenting and caregiving in low- and middle-income countries. The flexibility of programs within known parameters associated with greater effectiveness suggests that there may be opportunities for adaptation and implementation in these settings. The review of published literature on supporting and strengthening child-caregiver relationships in the context of AIDS and poverty highlights the importance of family strengthening as a core component of effective responses to protect children affected by AIDS and poverty. While there is a need for more research on effective methods for supporting parenting and caregiving, the existing evidence suggests that parenting support programs can be effective in improving parenting skills and child outcomes.