Improving family functioning and wellbeing among families of children with disabilities in Rwanda: an application of the SAFE child protection model - Summary - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

Enhancing Family Dynamics and Wellbeing in Rwandan Families with Disabled Children: Utilizing the SAFE Child Protection Framework

  • By

  • Alain Ahishakiye

  • Hannah Gilbert

  • Leila Dal Santo

  • Ann Miller

  • M. C. Smith Fawzi

  • Cat Kirk

  • Candace J. Black

  • Wijnand Van Den Boom

  • Mukeshimana Verena

  • Roberto Baiocco

  • Sarah K. G. Jensen

  • Kim Wilson

  • Vincent Sezibera

  • Theresa S. Betancourt

  • September 14, 2026

Share

Objective:

To examine factors affecting family functioning and guide the development of family-centered interventions for families raising children with disabilities in low-resource settings.

Approach:
  • Methodology: Content analysis informed by the SAFE child-protection model, involving 30 caregivers of children with disabilities and focus group discussions with community workers and ECD advocates.
Key Findings:
  • Four categories of threats to child safety identified: 1) Safety/Freedom from harm, 2) Access to basic physiological needs and healthcare, 3) Family and connection to others, and 4) Education and economic security.
  • Risks include caregiver mental health issues, insufficient resources, stigma, and social isolation.
Limitations:
  • The study is limited to a specific context in Rwanda and may not be generalizable to other settings.
  • The sample size may not fully represent the diversity of experiences among families raising children with disabilities.

Original Source(s)

Improving family functioning and wellbeing among families of children with disabilities in Rwanda: an application of the SAFE child protection model

  • by Alain Ahishakiye, Hannah Gilbert, Leila Dal Santo, Ann Miller, M. C. Smith Fawzi, Cat Kirk, Candace J. Black, Wijnand Van Den Boom, Mukeshimana Verena, Roberto Baiocco, Sarah K. G. Jensen, Kim Wilson, Vincent Sezibera, Theresa S. Betancourt

  • September 14, 2026

Related Content

Maternal Violent Injury and Child Exposure to Violence—A Call for Trauma-Informed and Structural Responses

Breastfeeding May Help Infants Achieve Adequate Sleep

A nationwide birth cohort found lower odds of short sleep at 1 year among infants breastfed during the first 6 months of life, regardless of formula supplementation.

Suicide Rates in Danish Adolescents Aged 15 to 19 Years :