Global Initiative to Support Parents

A large evidence base, including outcome evaluation studies from low-, middle- and high-income countries in all world regions, shows that parent and caregiver interventions can help prevent maltreatment and enhance early childhood and mental health. However, access to such interventions remains inadequate. For instance, the 2020 Global status report on preventing violence against children shows that just 26% governments said they were reaching all parents and children who need such interventions, and the ECD Countdown to 2030  and Mental Health Atlas 2020 illustrates how coverage of essential interventions is insufficient in most countries.  

In response to the challenges in caregiving practices posed to families by the COVID-19 pandemic, a coalition of partners including WHO, UNICEF, Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH), the Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN), and the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children (EVAC) launched the Global Initiative to Support Parents.

Since July 2019, the Global Initiative to Support Parents have been organizing parenting conferences in six regions worldwide, developing learning platforms and bringing together donors regularly. The ultimate vision of the GISP, is to support country-led and owned efforts, so that every family is supported in their caregiving practices and that children who face vulnerabilities receive the support that they need.