Investigating how prenatal and early childhood programs can prevent child maltreatment
Official title: The unique and combined effects of prenatal and early childhood programming on child maltreatment: Examining mechanisms of change
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-10997537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special programs for pregnant moms and young kids can help prevent child abuse and neglect by improving how parents connect with their children and addressing issues like partner violence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $669,084 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD114597-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are pregnant women exposed to intimate partner violence and their children aged 3-6 years.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are older than 6 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how programs during pregnancy and early childhood can help prevent child maltreatment, which includes abuse and neglect. It aims to enhance maternal sensitivity and address intimate partner violence (IPV) as key factors in promoting healthy parent-child relationships. The study will utilize a multi-site, randomized controlled trial design to evaluate two specific programs: the Pregnant Moms’ Empowerment Program for expectant mothers exposed to IPV and the Reminiscing and Emotion Training program for children aged 3-6. By assessing these interventions, the research seeks to identify effective strategies for reducing the risk of child maltreatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective prevention programs that significantly reduce the incidence of child maltreatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted interventions during pregnancy and early childhood can effectively reduce risks associated with child maltreatment, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller-Graff, Laura E. — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Miller-Graff, Laura E.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.