The role of the health sector in supporting parents and caregivers to meet their parenting potential

Overview

Supporting parents and caregivers requires a whole-of-society approach, with coordinated responses from the health, education, social services, private and other sectors. This brief focuses on the role of the health sector specifically. It explains why the health sector should support parents and caregivers, describes the type of support they need, and outlines the key building blocks of the health sector response. Annex 1 provides examples of how health services can support caregivers at different stages of their child’s development, from the antenatal period, through to adolescence. Annex 2 provides a list of relevant WHO guidance and resources.