The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect is the world’s leading conference dedicated to preventing child abuse and promoting child well-being. The event brings together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates from around the world to share evidence, innovations, and best practices.
At this year’s congress, World Vision will present alongside research partners from Fuller Theological Seminary on the impact of Celebrating Families and the role of faith-based partners in preventing child abuse and neglect. Drawing on nearly five years of research and implementation experience, the session will highlight evidence of how faith leaders and communities can contribute to safer, more nurturing environments for children. The presentation will also explore the implications of these findings for governments, donors, and practitioners seeking effective, community-based approaches to child protection.
Sessions
📌 Shift in harsh parenting and maltreatment risk: Caregiver and child longitudinal latent class transitions after participating in a faith-based parenting program in 12 countries
Poster presentation
Dr. Rojas-Flores will share findings from a multi-country study examining changes in parenting practices and child maltreatment risk among families participating in Celebrating Families. Using longitudinal data from 12 countries, the research highlights the potential of faith-based parenting interventions to reduce harsh discipline and strengthen positive family relationships in low- and middle-income contexts.
📌 Rise Up session: Mobilizing faith leaders to support government priorities in ending family violence against children — evidence and opportunities from Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe
This interactive session will present evidence from research in Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe demonstrating how faith-based parenting interventions can reduce harsh discipline and strengthen positive parenting at scale. Government representatives, researchers, and World Vision partners will explore how faith leaders and communities can support national child protection priorities, strengthen coordination systems, and expand violence prevention efforts. Participants will also identify practical opportunities to integrate faith actors into child protection strategies, action plans, and service delivery platforms, supported by a policy brief and data visualization resources.
Speakers
🎤 Dr. Lisseth Rojas-Flores
Professor of Clinical Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary
Dr. Lisseth Rojas-Flores is Professor of Clinical Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. Her research focuses on child and family well-being, with particular emphasis on trauma, community violence, forced migration, and the impact of socio-structural adversity on children and families. She has led and collaborated on research across the United States and Latin America, examining the effects of immigration enforcement, community violence, and displacement, as well as the role of faith communities in supporting vulnerable populations. A licensed bilingual clinical psychologist, Dr. Rojas-Flores is committed to advancing evidence-based approaches that strengthen family well-being and resilience.
🎤 Alex Masibo Mukhwana
Program Manager, World Vision
Alex is a Program Manager with World Vision and an experienced educator with more than 20 years of leadership in child protection, faith and development, strategic partnerships, grant management, and program implementation. He has worked across Kenya and several African countries, supporting large-scale donor-funded initiatives focused on child well-being, education, and community development. Alex has extensive experience collaborating with government agencies, faith leaders, and local partners to strengthen child protection systems and scale evidence-based interventions. He also serves as an Associate Pastor at Eagles Christian Church in Karen, Kenya — bringing both practitioner and faith leadership perspectives to efforts that engage religious communities in preventing violence against children.
