The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare

This document was printed from the website of the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC), which you can access at http://www.cebc4cw.org/

Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) - Summary

Scientific Rating:
3
Promising Research Evidence
See scale of 1-5
Scientific Rating:
3 - Promising Research Evidence

Relevance to Child Welfare Rating:
1
Relevance to Child Welfare Rating:
1 - High

Child Welfare Outcomes: Child/family well-being

Type of Maltreatment: Physical neglect

Target Population: Foster parents of infants

Brief Description:(The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff.)

Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) has been rated by the CEBC in the areas of Infant and Toddler Mental Health (0-3) and Parent Training. ABC targets several key issues that have been identified as problematic among children who have experienced early maltreatment and/or disruptions in care. These young children often behave in ways that push caregivers away. The first intervention component helps caregivers to re-interpret children's behavioral signals so that they provide nurturance even when it is not elicited. Nurturance does not come naturally to many caregivers, but children who have experienced early adversity especially need nurturing care. Thus, the second intervention component helps caregivers provide nurturing care even if it does not come naturally. Third, many children who have experienced early adversity are dysregulated behaviorally and biologically. The third intervention component helps caregivers provide a responsive, predictable environment that enhances young children's behavioral and regulatory capabilities.


Contact Information

Show Contact Information

Contact name: Mary Dozier, PhD

Affiliation/Agency: University of Delaware

Email: mdozier@psych.udel.edu

Phone: 302-831-8801

Fax: 302-831-3645



Detailed Report

Click here for a detailed report which includes Essential Components, Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research, Education and Training Resources, etc.


Date reviewed: December 2009 (originally reviewed in June 2008)