Reflections on monitoring parenting programmes during dissemination and scale-up
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: As the research evidence base on parenting programmes that aim to prevent violence against children grows, less is known about how such programmes are applied in practice and at scale. This understanding is needed to make sure programmes are implemented as intended and are as effective as possible in improving child and family outcomes. Programme monitoring at scale can help provide relevant insights. We formed a working group of ten researchers and practitioners and conducted a series of reflection discussions and a review of project notes to identify practical examples and consensus lessons from four collaborative projects that monitored parenting programmes implemented in practice-driven contexts in 11 low- and middle-income countries, with the earliest starting in 2017. We highlight the benefits of practitioner-researcher partnerships in programme monitoring that have a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, mutual trust, and ongoing communication. Such partnerships can build on existing data collection systems and jointly improve programme monitoring and evaluation procedures. We discuss the selection of monitoring indicators and the benefits of combining qualitative and quantitative data. Our reflections explore the ethical considerations, potential risks, and necessary resources required in collecting parenting programme monitoring data in low-resource settings. In conclusion, programme funders can support learning from parenting and other programmes delivered in routine services by providing flexible, longer-term funding that explicitly prioritises safe and informative programme monitoring. Together, organisations involved in developing, implementing, funding, and evaluating parenting and other child protection programmes can use programme monitoring strategically to address challenges of scale-up.
Source: Child Protection and Practice
Institutions: Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement, Cardiff University, University of Alberta, MacEwan University, McMaster University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Oxford, National Institute for Medical Research, University of Fort Hare, University of Cape Town
Language: English
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,200
Funders: Oak Foundation, National Institute for Social Care and Health Research, Health and Care Research Wales, UK Research and Innovation, World Childhood Foundation, Llywodraeth Cymru, Global Challenges Research Fund, LEGO Foundation, European Commission, Wolfson Foundation, National Research Foundation, Fondazione Generali, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, European Research Council, Research England, Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement, H2020 European Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W7125424513