The Research Program on Children and Adversity (RPCA) focuses on observational research to understand trajectories of risk and resilience in children facing multiple forms of adversity while also using these research outcomes to develop and test evidence-based interventions to promote child health, development and family functioning. 

Research Program on Children and Adversity illustration

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Message from the Director

By the Numbers

20 Countries

RPCA has had an impact in over 20 countries including Rwanda, Sierra Leone, United States, Northern Uganda, Ethiopia-Eritrea Border, Russia, and Colombia.

8 Partners

Several implementation partners include Francois Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Rwanda, University of Rwanda, Caritas Freetown, Kenema General Hospital, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services.

45 Interns

RPCA has supported 45 interns in 5 years. Interns have gone on to pursue higher education and obtain professional positions in the field of social work, public, and mental health.

Research With Impact

Sugira Muryango "Strong Families, Thriving Children"

Sugira Muryango home-visiting program is an evidence-based intervention that offers active coaching for caregivers by community lay-workers trained to deliver sessions including early stimulation promotion, play, nutrition, hygiene, non-violent discipline and responsive parenting. It is based on the Family Strengthening Intervention (FSI) model originally developed and tested in Rwanda. Sugira Muryango empowers low-income families enrolled in Rwanda's social protection system to support early childhood development and healthy family functioning.

Latest News 

Salem Professor in Global Practice Theresa Betancourt—pictured here, in second row on left in light blue, with community-based volunteers in Rwanda—develops evidence-based interventions for children and families facing extreme resource constraints—including in regions affected by armed conflict and HIV/AIDS. 
 

RPCA Projects