This text identifies empirically based strategies needed to strengthen the environments in which children develop. It also explores the importance of theory-guided evaluation in clarifying the process of programme implementation and highlights strategies for disseminating programmes effectively.

Emphasizing developmentally and contextually appropriate prevention service delivery models, the authors of this volume identify state-of-the-art, empirically based strategies to strengthen the environments in which children develop. Since programmes with strong conceptualization, design and implementation have the potential to enhance children's social, emotional and physical wellbeing, the authors first review ways to strengthen the family, child-care systems, early childhood education and school-based health and mental health programming. They then explore the importance of theory-guided evaluation to clarify the process of programme implementation, as well as highlighting strategies for disseminating programmes effectively.