Affiliation:
1. Department of Applied Psychology New York University New York New York USA
2. Centro de Estudios Sobre Seguridad y Drogas (CESED) Universidad de los Andes Bogotá Colombia
3. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales Universidad de los Andes Bogotá Colombia
4. School of Human and Behavioural Sciences Bangor University Bangor Wales
5. Caribbean Institute for Health Research University of the West Indies Kingston Jamaica
6. Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) and Dirección de Primera Infancia, Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) Bogotá Colombia
7. Dirección de Primera Infancia, Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) Bogotá Colombia
Abstract
ABSTRACTObjectiveViolence against children (VAC) is a global public health and human rights issue that can lead to long‐lasting negative consequences for individual and societal outcomes. While extensive evidence indicates that parenting programmes might be effective in preventing VAC, there are several unsolved questions on how to ensure interventions are acceptable, feasible, effective and sustainable, particularly in low‐ and‐ middle‐income countries (LMICs).MethodIn this study, we report findings from a qualitative examination of policymakers' (N = 10), early childhood and parenting programme facilitators' (N = 20) and parents' and other caregivers' (N = 38) perspectives on VAC prevention to examine the implementation ecosystem of parenting programmes in Colombia, including contextual risk and protection factors, features of existing programmes, and stakeholders' needs. We conducted interviews and focus groups using a semistructured format, along with a thematic approach, to analyse the data from each group of participants (i.e., policymakers, facilitators and caregivers) independently.ResultsOverall, the data revealed the critical role of intersecting and interacting factors at the micro (e.g., caregivers' capabilities and beliefs), meso (e.g., programme content and delivery approaches) and macro (e.g., policymakers' vision and existing infrastructure) levels in exacerbating risks/imposing barriers versus protecting/promoting VAC prevention.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence on the implementation ecosystem of prevention programmes to inform the design of novel strategies and programmes aimed at preventing violence and promoting families' well‐being and young children's development.