Evaluating SafeCare Kenya Parenting Program Delivered by Community Health Volunteers to Support Parents of Young Children

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the adapted parenting program SafeCare Kenya, designed to improve skills and knowledge of parents with children aged 18 months to 5 years. The study will assess whether SafeCare Kenya improves outcomes for children and parents, compare virtual versus in-person delivery methods, and determine if community health volunteers can effectively deliver the program. The trial is sponsored by Pacific University and focuses on child maltreatment and parenting support. Community health volunteers will be randomly assigned to either continue their usual services or be trained to deliver SafeCare Kenya. Families enrolled will then be randomized to receive the SafeCare Kenya program either virtually or in person, with the curriculum consistent across both methods. Usual care involves monthly visits focused on physical health needs, while SafeCare Kenya adds structured support in parent-child interactions, child health, and home safety. Mothers will participate by completing assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months. Researchers will measure changes in parenting skills, knowledge about child safety and health, child abuse potential, child behavior, injuries, parenting stress, and quality of life for both child and parent. The study includes ongoing monitoring of these outcomes to evaluate the programs impact over time.

Building Community Health Volunteers' Capacity to Support Parents With Young Children With SafeCare Kenya