Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC)

For Caregivers of infants 6 months to 2 years old who have experienced early adversity. 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. The intervention helps caregivers provide nurturing care even if it does not come naturally. Second, many children who have experienced early adversity are dysregulated behaviorally and biologically. The second intervention component helps caregivers provide a responsive, predictable, warm environment that enhances young children’s behavioral and regulatory capabilities. The intervention helps caregivers follow their children’s lead with support. The third intervention component helps caregivers decrease behaviors that could be overwhelming or frightening to a young child. 

Focus Population
Parents, Caregivers, Children
Target Problems or Risk Factors
Conduct/Behavior, General Risk
Level of Intervention
Selective, Indicated
Settings in Which Program Can Be Delivered
Home
Latinos in Participant Samples
Yes - Minimal (≤15%)
Type of Program
Generic
Registry
CEBC
Strength of Evidentiary Support
2-Star (⭐⭐) CEBC - Home Visiting Program for Child Wellbeing, 2-Star (⭐⭐) CEBC - Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Programs (Birth to 5)
Cost of the Program
No
Availability of the program in Spanish and/or Portuguese
Spanish
Contact Information
Mary Dozier, Ph.D.
University of Delaware
mdozier@udel.edu
Phone: 302-831-8801

Caroline Roben, PhD
Director of ABC Dissemination
E-mail: croben@udel.edu
Phone: (302) 319-1229