The Primary Role of Communities in Promoting Children’s and Families’ Development: Evidence-Based, Best-Practice Recommendations

Many caregivers seek or need information, education, and/or assistance in rearing children. “It takes a village” is a common mantra used in relation to parenting and child-rearing.  This means that entire communities of people help shape children’s development and can foster safe, healthy environments and positive child outcomes.  Programs, educational institutions, community organizations, and those who work with children and families can also support children’s healthy growth and development within the family by creating continuity between primary caregivers and the “village.”  For optimal outcomes, it is important for all members of the “village” to find, assess, analyze, and implement high-quality, up-to-date, evidence-based, best-practice recommendations to strengthen children and families.

Evidence-based parenting programs and practices are those that are supported and well-documented by up-to-date scientific research.  Key indicators must demonstrate that practices have strengthened families, prevented youth and/or family problems, and/or promoted family and child well-being via validated research studies.^[1] Read this PDF: Family Engagement Best-Practice Tips for Everyone Who Works with Children or Families.

Best-practice recommendations are methods, approaches, or techniques that are regarded as superior to other alternatives because research demonstrates they produce the most favorable outcomes when compared with other methods, approaches, or techniques.^[2]

The following section contains evidence-based, best-practice recommendations for the prevention and education of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).