This project is a mixed-methods implementation study that aims to evaluate the implementation of the Growing Strong Together, a family-based intervention developed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This study will assess implementation outcomes and estimate the impact of the intervention on child and caregiver wellbeing outcomes for families living in acute conflict.
Context
The SPARC project addresses the need to design and evaluate interventions specifically targeting children and families living in conflict settings. The number of children living in conflict zones has increased since 1990, with one in five children in conflict zones living in areas with child recruitment (Kamøy et al., 2021; Østby et al., 2020). Family cohesion and positive parent-child relationships could be protective for child wellbeing and be a deterrent for recruitment (Orpinas et al., 2014; Puffer et al., 2017; Sriskandarajah et al., 2015). However, there is a dearth of evidence on the implementation and effectiveness of programmes targeting conflict-affected communities.
Through this project, the IRC is building on existing research and previous programming to contribute to evidence on the experiences of children living in conflict and the drivers of recruitment. The objective of the intervention is to ensure that children, adolescents and their caregivers receive the appropriate support to address these drivers and promote reintegration at home and in the community. Using evidence on the effectiveness of parenting interventions and formative research with adolescents as a foundation, the Growing Strong Together intervention was piloted in CAR, DRC, and Nigeria with funding from the United States Agency for International Development. With contribution from members of the Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups (CAAFAG) Task Force of the Child Protection Alliance, the final product is a publicly available resource to support parents/caregivers.
Objectives
The SPARC implementation study aims to achieve the following objectives:
To assess the implementation of a family-based programme in conflict settings in terms of quality of delivery, fidelity, and engagement
To examine the factors associated with programme implementation, including delivery, fidelity, and engagement
To estimate changes in child and family wellbeing outcomes including behavioural and mental health outcomes as reported by conflict-affected families participating in a family-based child wellbeing programme
To understand the relationship between implementation quality, participant engagement, and perceived and reported changes in outcomes of wellbeing
Project Setting
The intervention is being delivered to caregivers and their children in conflict settings in four countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic (CAR), Nigeria, and Iraq.
Significance and Wider Impact
This study will address a gap in rigorous implementation evaluations of child and parenting programmes in conflict-affected settings. The findings will provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers on some of the factors related to successful implementation at scale and inform future implementation of family-based programmes in conflict.
