Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC)
About This Program
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 (Birth to 3) and Parent Training.
Brief Description
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.
Goals of Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC):
Please check in the Brief Description section above for the program's goals. If they are not there, the program's representative has not provided these since we began requesting them in Fall 2010.
Target Population: Foster parents of infants.
For children/adolescents ages: 0 – 5
For parents/caregivers of children ages: 0 – 5
» View detailed report which includes:
Essential Components, Published Relevant Peer-Reviewed Research, Education and Training Resources, etc.
Contact Information
- Name: Mary Dozier, PhD
- Agency/Affiliation: University of Delaware
- Email: mdozier@psych.udel.edu
- Phone: (302) 831-8801
- Fax: (302) 831-3645
Date Research Evidence Last Reviewed by CEBC: June 2012
Date Program Originally Loaded onto CEBC: June 2008
Date Program Content Last Reviewed by Program Staff: June 2008