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Parent interventions to prevent child maltreatment: evidence summary

Reviewing the evidence on effective interventions to prevent or reduce child maltreatment

Publication date October 2022
Front cover: Review of parent interventions to prevent child maltreatment

Child maltreatment can have both immediate and long-lasting effects on the development, health and wellbeing of children and young people (Levey et al, 20171, Carr et al, 20202).

Current evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to prevent or reduce child maltreatment is mixed. There is only limited evidence of the long-lasting effects on the development, health and wellbeing of children and young people from high quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs). 

This review:

  • aims to update a review of RCTs on preventing or reducing child maltreatment published by Euser et al in 20153
  • includes 98 studies, reviews and study protocols published since 2012
  • looks at studies that focus on interventions on an interpersonal level, supporting individual children and families.

Authors: Rebekah Fox, Emma Belton, Madeleine Baldwin, Nicola McConnell
Published: 2022

 

References

Levey, E. J. et al (2017) A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of interventions designed to decrease child abuse in high-risk families. Child Abuse and Neglect, pp. 65: 48-57.
Carr, A., Duff, H., and Craddock, F. (2020) A systematic review of reviews of the outcome of noninstitutional child maltreatment. Trauma, Violence and Abuse, pp. 21(4): 828-843.
Euser, S. et al. (2020) A gloomy picture: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reveals disappointing effectiveness of programs aiming at preventing child maltreatment. BMC Public Health, pp. 15-1068.
Review of parent interventions to prevent child maltreatment
Download the full evidence summary (PDF)

Key Finding

Evidence for interventions that are effective in reducing or preventing maltreatment is limited but promising.

Interventions aimed at reducing maltreatment in families with a history of abuse or neglect appear more effective than those designed to prevent maltreatment in ‘at risk’ families or the general population.

Further findings

Interventions are most effective when:

  • based at families’ homes
  • focused on parenting skills and self-confidence
  • tailored to individual needs
  • delivered by trained professionals
  • approximately 6 months long
  • aimed at children under 5 years of age.

Citation

Please cite as: Fox, R. et al (2022) Review of parent interventions to prevent child maltreatment. London: NSPCC. 

Review of parent interventions to prevent child maltreatment
Download the full evidence summary (PDF)

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