Reflections on monitoring parenting programmes during dissemination and scale-up

As the research evidence base on parenting programmes that aim to prevent violence against children grows, less is known about how such programmes are applied in practice and at scale. This understanding is needed to make sure programmes are implemented as intended and are as effective as possible in improving child and family outcomes. Programme monitoring at scale can help provide relevant insights. We formed a working group of ten researchers and practitioners and conducted a series of reflection discussions and a review of project notes to identify practical examples and consensus lessons from four collaborative projects that monitored parenting programmes implemented in practice-driven contexts in 11 low- and middle-income countries, with the earliest starting in 2017. We highlight the benefits of practitioner-researcher partnerships in programme monitoring that have a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, mutual trust, and ongoing communication. Such partnerships can build on existing data collection systems and jointly improve programme monitoring and evaluation procedures. We discuss the selection of monitoring indicators and the benefits of combining qualitative and quantitative data. Our reflections explore the ethical considerations, potential risks, and necessary resources required in collecting parenting programme monitoring data in low-resource settings. In conclusion, programme funders can support learning from parenting and other programmes delivered in routine services by providing flexible, longer-term funding that explicitly prioritises safe and informative programme monitoring. Together, organisations involved in developing, implementing, funding, and evaluating parenting and other child protection programmes can use programme monitoring strategically to address challenges of scale-up.