Advocating for the Young Child in Need Through Strengthening the Parent-Child Relationship

Abstract
Argues that strengthening the parent-child relationship must be a priority for any program or practitioner providing services to young children and their families. Problems in implementing this priority are explored. A training program and model, the Ounce of Prevention Fund Developmental Program, is presented along with preliminary research on its effectiveness. Both environmental and biological factors and existing disabling conditions are linked to subsequent developmental problems. Traditionally, environmental risk is addressed in parent-focused support programs and biological risk and developmental disability in pediatric practice, early intervention, and special education. However, research indicates that the effects of risk are mediated by the parent-child relationship.