Family-Based Program to Prevent Child Maltreatment and Support Children Ages 6-9 in Kyrgyzstan A Study of Parenting, Family Relationships, and Economic Empowerment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a family-based prevention program designed to reduce the risk of child maltreatment and other adverse childhood experiences among families in Kyrgyzstan. This study aims to see if the integrated program improves childrens self-regulation, behavior, and school adaptation while also assessing whether the program is feasible and acceptable for families and schools. The research compares this program with enhanced standard school services to understand its effects on child and family outcomes. The intervention combines three evidence-based approaches strengthening families, improving co-parenting and father involvement, and economic empowerment. Delivered through 16 weekly group sessions in schools, the program includes skill-building exercises, discussions, role-plays, and workshops on financial literacy and asset-building. Trained school social workers lead the sessions to maintain program quality. Families assigned to the comparison group receive usual school services along with minimal material support like school supplies but no structured family or economic sessions. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the prevention program or standard school services. They will complete surveys at the start, after the 16-week program, and at the end of the school year, providing information on child behavior, parenting, family relationships, and financial well-being. The study measures outcomes using parent, youth, and teacher reports of child strengths and difficulties for up to 1.5 years after baseline. Results will guide future larger trials, with total participation lasting through the school year following the intervention.

Integrating Evidence-based Approaches to Prevent Child Maltreatment in Kyrgyzstan