Impact Evaluation of a Family-based Intervention With Burmese Migrant and Displaced Children and Families in Tak Province, Thailand

Impact Evaluation of a Family-based Intervention With Burmese Migrant and Displaced Children and Families in Tak Province, Thailand

The study will evaluate the impact of a family-based intervention on the well-being of Burmese migrant and displaced children and families living in Tak province, Thailand. The methodology used in the impact evaluation study is a randomized waitlist controlled trial.

The study hypothesizes that participation in a family-based intervention will lead to improved parenting practices and child and family outcomes, as follows.

Primary hypotheses:

1. Parents/caregivers participating in the family-based intervention will report increased knowledge and use of positive parenting skills compared to control;
2. Parents/caregivers participating in the family-based intervention will report less use of physical punishment and other harsh forms of discipline compared to control;
3. Parents/caregivers and children participating in the family-based intervention will report higher levels of family functioning and cohesion compared to control.

Secondary hypotheses:

1. Parents/caregivers and children participating in the family-based intervention will report lower levels of externalizing and internalizing child behaviors compared to control;
2. Parents/caregivers and children participating in the family-based intervention will report higher levels of child resilience and psychosocial well-being compared to control;
3. Parents/caregivers participating in the family-based intervention will report lower levels of alcohol use compared to control.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Of Burmese origin
• Currently living in one of 20 target communities in Tak province, Thailand
• Primary caregiver to at least one child aged 8 to 12 years
• Child aged 8 to 12 years
• Participating in the family intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children living in orphanages, boarding houses, factories or other institutions
• Persons with severe cognitive or physical disability who are impaired and unable to understand and give informed consent