Safe Environment for Every Kid (SEEK) 

A program for children, ages 0-5, and their parents to prevent child maltreatment. The program has two applications: 1) Primary Prevention use: Families with children aged 0-5 years and 2) Secondary Prevention use: Families with children aged 0-5 years who have risk factors for child maltreatment such as parental depression or substance abuse. The program utilizes pediatric primary care as an opportunity to help address social determinants of health and to prevent child maltreatment in families that may have risk factors for child maltreatment. Most children receive this care and there are frequent visits in the first 5 years. Also, the generally good relationship between health professionals and parents offers an opportunity to identify and help address prevalent psychosocial problems. By addressing these problems, the program aims to also help strengthen families, support parents and parenting, and promote children’s health, development, and safety. 

Focus Population
Families, Parents, Children
Target Problems or Risk Factors
Alcohol, Child Abuse and Neglect, Domestic Violence, Drug Problems, Mental Health Problems
Level of Intervention
Universal, Selective
Settings in Which Program Can Be Delivered
Behavioral Health Organization or Agency
Latinos in Participant Samples
Yes - Minimal (≤15%)
Type of Program
Generic
Registry
CEBC
Strength of Evidentiary Support
2-Star (⭐⭐) CEBC - Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (Primary), 1-Star (⭐) CEBC - Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (Secondary)
Cost of the Program
No
Availability of the program in Spanish and/or Portuguese
Spanish
Contact Information
Howard Dubowitz, MD, MS, FAAP
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Phone: (410) 706-6144
E-mail: hdubowitz@som.umaryland.edu