Engagement with a Multi-Component, Preventative Program to Reduce Child Maltreatment: Program Satisfaction and Acceptability

Abstract

The development and implementation of interventions to prevent child maltreatment (CM) is particularly challenging in view of the numerous stressors experienced by families within the child welfare system (CWS). Difficulties engaging families, particularly those who are most vulnerable, can lead to lower program dose and poorer outcomes. This qualitative study, conducted as part of a larger process evaluation, explored participant perspectives of a newly developed, multi-component, community-based intervention designed to reduce the risk of CM in families with young children. The study involved one-to-one interviews with a sub-sample of mothers (n = 12) recruited through statutory and community-based social work services. Several brief program satisfaction questionnaires were also completed by parents. Mothers reported a stronger parent–child bond and greater use of positive parenting strategies (e.g. improved communication and discipline strategies) following the intervention. Facilitator and group support emerged as strong themes throughout the interviews and were important factors in facilitating engagement and reducing drop-out. High levels of program satisfaction were also reported. The study findings demonstrate how a multi-component program, which combines an evidence-based treatment (EBT) with community-based supports, may offer a promising approach for social work practitioners in reducing CM and in better meeting the more complex needs of families within the CWS. However, a more thorough understanding of the factors which promote program engagement and retention, is crucial to maximizing the benefits of interventions designed to support more vulnerable families.

The Tutor of Resilience Program with Children Who Have Experienced Maltreatment: Mothers’ Involvement Matters

“…Based on the premise that child development and mental health is shaped by parenting [ 38 ], several studies have shown the benefit of including parents in children support programs in order to enhance assets and resources [ 39 ], prevent and reduce negative outcomes by decreasing parental distress [ 40 ]. Other studies show that the inclusion of parents in children support programs may lead to improvements in terms of reduced trauma-related symptoms and other mental health outcomes in both parents and children [ 41 , 42 ] as well as increased positive child-parent interactions [ 43 ].…”