This project was a mixed-methods implementation study that aimed to evaluate the implementation of the Growing Strong Together, a family-based intervention developed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This study assessed implementation outcomes and estimated the impact of the intervention on child and caregiver wellbeing outcomes for families living in acute conflict.

Context

The SPARC project addressed the need to design and evaluate interventions specifically targeting children and families living in conflict settings. The number of children living in conflict zones had increased since 1990, with one in five children in conflict zones living in areas with child recruitment. Family cohesion and positive parent-child relationships were protective for child wellbeing and were a deterrent for recruitment. However, there was a dearth of evidence on the implementation and effectiveness of programmes targeting conflict-affected communities.

Through this project, the IRC built 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 was to ensure that children, adolescents and their caregivers received 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 was a publicly available resource to support parents/caregivers.

Objectives

The SPARC implementation study aimed 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 was 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 addressed a gap in rigorous implementation evaluations of child and parenting programmes in conflict-affected settings. The findings provided valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers on some of the factors related to successful implementation at scale and informed future implementation of family-based programmes in conflict.