The Science of Care

Evidence-based science that informs parenting and caregiving around the world.

About Listen First

'Listen First' is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities. Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe.

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What people are saying

Dr. Alexandra Martins
Head of the UNODC Global Programme to End Violence against Children

“UNODC places children at the centre of all our work and supports countries in creating the necessary conditions to promote child participation and civic engagement in decision-making processes that will affect children.  Initiatives such as “Listen First” contribute to acknowledging that everyone has a role to play in the well-being of children. Listening to children is a crucial step in preventing and responding to violence against children”

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Miwa Kato
Director of Division for Operations, UNODC

“In 2020-21, UNODC focused ‘Listen First’ to support parenting during the stressful times of COVID-19, to invest in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.”

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Dr. Milan Pekić
Director, Office for Combating Drugs, The Republic of Serbia

“‘Listen First’ presents a unique opportunity for mutual cooperation for all institutions and organizations [related to] child education and drug policies … [which] enables the involvement of the whole society in raising awareness … [and] contributes to the health of children and the health of society as a whole.”

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Dr. Zili Sloboda
President, Applied Prevention Science International

“‘Listen First’ takes the next step in educating not only prevention professionals but also other  professionals who may be in contact with parents or children who may benefit from evidence-based prevention interventions.”

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Made possible with the generous support of France.