Improving family functioning and wellbeing among families of children with disabilities in Rwanda: an application of the SAFE child protection model

Background

Families of children with disabilities in low-resource settings face heightened challenges to family functioning and wellbeing. Improving a child and caregiver's environment in these settings requires a broader understanding of the family ecosystem. This study aims to investigate factors that should be considered to enhance family functioning and inform family-centered interventions. Methodology: We conducted 34 in-depth interviews with 30 caregivers of children with disabilities aged 6-8 years enrolled in a larger cluster randomized trial of the Sugira Muryango parenting intervention. Additionally, six focus group discussions were conducted with 36 community workers, and 6 Early Childhood Developmental (ECD) advocates participants. Guided by the SAFE Model for child protection, content analysis was used to understand threats to child protection and caregivers' well-being among caregivers of children with disabilities enrolled in Sugira Muryango.