Enhancing Parental Sensitivity in Families with an Evidence-Based Early Intervention

Abstract

Early caregiving experiences set the stage for children’s developmental trajectories. Children who experience early adversity are more likely to show difficulties regulating their behaviors, emotions, and physiology than children who do not experience adversity. Parenting interventions designed to enhance parental sensitivity and responsiveness can buffer children from the detrimental effects of early adverse experiences and ultimately enhance child outcomes. One such intervention is Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), an evidence-based home visiting program developed to enhance parental sensitivity and responsive care. In this paper, we review the intervention objectives and effectiveness of ABC. We then describe efforts made to supervise the fidelity and dissemination of ABC, including its implementation in diverse cultural contexts and with Spanish-speaking families in the United States. Lastly, we discuss the potential of ABC as a novel intervention to be implemented within the child welfare system in Spain and Latin America.

Keywords

• attachment and biobehavioral
• catch-up
• parenting
• attachment
• child protection system
• evidence-based programs