GPI Involved in New WHO Parenting Guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines on parenting interventions aimed at preventing child maltreatment, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect, which occur most frequently at the hands of parents and caregivers. The guidelines offer details on the essential components of effective parenting interventions, and the impact that parenting interventions have in improving outcomes for children. The guidelines are based on reviews and reports compiled by GPI members Prof Frances Gardner, Sophia Backhaus, Moa Schafer, Prof G.J. Melendez-Torres, Dr Amalee McCoy, Mackenzie Martin,Dr Jamie Lachman, Roselinde Janowski and Prof Cathy Ward.

Studies have shown that parenting interventions can be effective in reducing child maltreatment. The WHO recommends that evidence-based parenting interventions be made accessible to all parents and caregivers of children aged 0-17 years. The guidelines cover different age ranges and settings, and can be delivered in group-based or individualised formats.

WHO Director of the Department of Social Determinants of Health, Dr Etienne Krug, stresses the importance of parenting interventions, noting that "violence against children in all its forms constitutes a public health crisis." The guidelines assess parenting interventions in respect of several implementation criteria, including financial and economic considerations, health equity, and socio-cultural acceptability. 

Find the guidelines here