Enhancing parent-child relationships in primary care settings

Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement in Primary Care: Supporting Parents and Children

Not applicable Interventional University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT05233150

This study is testing a new program to see if it can help improve relationships between parents and their young children while also reducing child maltreatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1932 (estimated)
Ages18 Months to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Chapel Hill, North Carolina and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05233150 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the PriCARE/CARIÑO program in reducing child maltreatment and improving parent-child interactions among families with children aged 2 to 6 years. It involves a randomized controlled trial where 966 child-caregiver dyads will receive the PriCARE/CARIÑO intervention alongside usual care, while another 966 dyads will receive only usual care. The study measures various outcomes, including child behavior problems, parenting stress, and the quality of parent-child relationships, using established assessment tools. The intervention will take place at multiple pediatric clinics in North Carolina and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include English or Spanish-speaking caregivers aged 18 or older with children between 18 months and 6 years who are enrolled in Medicaid, CHIP, or are uninsured.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those whose children have a cognitive functioning below a 2-year-old level or have a diagnosis of autism.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce instances of child maltreatment and improve the overall quality of parent-child relationships.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar interventions aimed at improving parent-child relationships and reducing maltreatment, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Caregiver is age 18 years or older
* Caregiver is English or Spanish Speaking
* Caregiver is legal guardian of child subject
* Caregiver provides informed consent
* Caregiver is available to attend scheduled times of PriCARE/CARIÑO groups
* Caregiver has cellular phone with text messaging capacity
* Caregiver has appropriate technological tools and access to participate in virtual intervention
* Child is between 18 months and 6 years old
* Child receives care at participating primary care center
* Child has Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)/no insurance
* Child lives in North Carolina or Philadelphia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Caregiver or another caregiver in the household has previously participated in PriCARE/CARIÑO
* Child has a cognitive functioning below 2-year-old level, as determined by the screening questions and/or the referring clinician
* Child has a diagnosis of autism
* Child is receiving individual behavioral health treatment or medication for a behavioral health problem

Where this trial is running

Chapel Hill, North Carolina and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parent-Child RelationsChild Maltreatment
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.