Addressing Barriers to Recruitment and Retention in the Implementation of Parenting Programs: Lessons Learned for Effective Program Delivery in Rural and Urban Areas

Abstract

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of family-based programs for reducing adolescent risk behaviors and promoting adolescent health; however, parent engagement, specifically in terms of recruitment and retention, remains a consistent challenge. Recruitment rates for family-based prevention programs range from 3 to 35%, while, on average, 28% of caregivers drop out before program completion. Thus, engagement of parents in prevention programming is of utmost concern to ensure families and youth benefit from implementation of family-based programs. In this manuscript, two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded projects share their experiences with engagement of parents in violence prevention programs. Problems related to parent engagement are reviewed, as are structural, attitudinal, and interpersonal barriers specific to recruitment and retention. Examples of successful implementation strategies identified across urban and rural sites are also analyzed and lessons learned are provided.

Designing and Implementing Parenting Interventions With Latino Immigrant Families: Challenges and Strategies

“…Even though successful recruitment and retention of participating families is a key component of parenting intervention effectiveness, recruiting parents for programs designed to enhance parenting behaviors can be challenging. Recruitment rates for family-based intervention programs range from 3% to 35%; however, even if parents are successfully recruited, about 28% of parents drop out before completion of the program (Smokowski et al, 2018). In addition, research suggests that recruitment of ethnic minority families poses additional challenges and might be more difficult than recruitment of families from European American backgrounds (Janson et al, 2001).…”

“…Successful recruitment and retention of participants in parenting interventions depends on the extent to which trust is built. Several scholars have indicated the critical importance of building trust and rapport with program participants given the increased vulnerability of many Latino immigrants (Martinez et al, 2012; Smokowski et al, 2018). Due to experiences of discrimination, fear of deportation, and lack of familiarity with interventions, to name a few possible sources of stress, building trust with Latino immigrant families is of particular relevance for intervention effectiveness.…”

Where is the Family in Young Adult Substance Use Treatment? The Case for Systemic Family Therapy for Young Adults with Substance Use Disorders

“…Caregivers, including parents, grandparents, family members, and family of choice, hold a critical role in shaping youth behavior through their parenting practices, and their emotional relationships (Smokowski et al 2018 ). Positive caregiver-child relationships that include warmth, cohesion, and support can serve as a critical protective factor from engagement in problematic behavior (Gorman-Smith et al 2000 ; Smokowski et al 2018 ). We assert that the importance of the caregiver-child relationship extends through adolescence and remains salient into young adulthood.…”

A Parenting Behavior Intervention (the Strengthening Families Program) for Families: Noninferiority Trial of Different Program Delivery Methods

“…This provides a customized delivery not available with classroom-based instruction, where pace is dictated by the facilitator and the group dynamic. The ability to customize presentation could help offset 2 recurring problems in family-based prevention, including attrition and engagement [83].…”