6. Caregiving packages in conflict and humanitarian settings for prevention of substance use and other health and social consequences and for child protection and development

A child's adjustment to conflict or displacement is not only reliant on individual resilience, but on the availability and quality of caregiving support. Caregiving faculties are frequently negatively affected by the stress generated in such settings. Moreover, child psychosocial recovery interventions often overlook the significant effect that caregivers carry on improving children’s future trajectory. Caregiving support in such settings prevents substance use, violence, school delinquency, poor mental health and other health and social consequences.

Overview of trials demonstrating feasibility, value and effectiveness of incorporating caregiving skills packages in humanitarian settings and in different formats and level of intensity. Leaflets and booklets as piloted on Syrian refugees and in Palestine. Strong Families (a light family skills package) as tested in Afghanistan, on Afghan refugees in Serbia, in Iran and in Cox Bazar Bangladesh on Rohingya refugees. Teaching Recovery Technique (TRT) -a trauma package - supplemented with parenting skills (TRT+) as tested on Syrian refugees in Lebanon. And parenting under COVID19 information supplement to a child vaccination app (Child IMmunization App – CIMA) as piloted on refugees in Zaatari camp in Jordan.

Outcome data from clinical trials demonstrate that such caregiving packages are feasible, scalable and carry potential to improve family functioning and reduce children's problem behaviour.

Family Skills programmes have been demonstrated to be successfully adapted to different contexts, needs and cultures, and can be delivered in humanitarian and challenging circumstances. These tools significantly improve child behaviour and family functioning and build resilience against drug use initiation and engaging in risky behaviours.