ABC Parenting Institute partners with communities to implement Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), an evidence-based home visiting program that supports infants and young children exposed to early adversity. ABC is unique in the home visiting field in that it is focused, brief (ten 1-hour weekly sessions), and strengths-based. We strive to help parents see all the things they are doing well, as opposed to pointing out what they need to do differently. ABC has been rigorously tested through multiple randomized trials and is as effective when implemented in the community as it is in randomized trials. Research shows that ABC enhances the parent-child attachment relationship and promotes children’s regulatory skills, brain development, and language development.

ABC is currently available (entirely free of charge) to any Delaware parent with a child ages 4 years and younger. A donation to ABC Parenting supports implementation efforts directly with members of your community, and covers the cost of ABC supplies. In 2025, over 95 families participated in the program!

The video clip that you see is a montage that was provided to one of our Delaware families in 2025. After receiving ABC, this mother shared: I was referred to ABC when my daughter was 1 year old. I had real concerns about whether I could meet my daughter's emotional needs on my own. From the very beginning, my ABC parent coach has been an incredible source of support…Her guidance came at a time when parenting felt overwhelming, and my daughter’s tantrums felt hard to manage. Her encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to navigate the challenges, follow the lead with delight, and nurture my daughter. ABC has been life-changing for me and my daughter... The sessions helped me truly connect with my daughter in a deeper, more meaningful way. I highly recommend this program to all families.

Vision: We envision a society in which every parent and child is provided the means, encouragement, and support for their relationship to thrive. By partnering with parents and communities through evidence-based practice, we seek to recognize and build upon parents’ strengths during the critical early years of a child’s development. Every parent deserves a champion for their sensitive parenting, and every child deserves the foundation of a nurturing relationship.