Assessment of parenting and developmental problems in toddlers: development and feasibility of a structured interview

Assessment of (early signs of) parenting and developmental problems in young children by preventive child health care (CHC) workers is recommended, but no validated instruments exist. The aim of this project was to develop and test an instrument for early detection and assessment of problems in toddlers, using the perspectives and experience of both the parent and the professional.

Using an iterative process, we adapted and expanded a structured interview on need for parenting support into the Structured Problem Analysis of Raising Kids (SPARK). The SPARK consists of 16 subject areas, ranging from somatic health to family issues. The SPARK was tested in daily practice for feasibility and discriminative capacity. The sample consisted of all toddlers aged 18 months living in Zeeland, a province of the Netherlands, during the study period (n= 1140).

The response rate was 97.8%. Although the median level of support needed according to the SPARK was low, 4.5% of the toddlers and their parents required intensive help or immediate action. The risk assessment showed 2.9% high, 16.5% increased and 80.6% low risk for parenting and developmental problems. The risk assessment of the CHC professional was associated with known risk factors for child maltreatment.

This study shows that a structured interview, named the SPARK, is feasible in daily practice and clarifies risks and care needs for parenting and developmental problems in toddlers.