Provider Cultural Competency, Client Satisfaction, and Engagement in Home-Based Programs to Treat Child Abuse and Neglect

Abstract

Home-based programs to treat child abuse and neglect suffer from high rates of attrition, limiting their impact. Thus, research is needed to identify factors related to client engagement. Using data (N = 1,305) from a statewide family preservation program, this study investigated the role of program type (i.e., SafeCare® [SC] vs. Services as Usual [SAU]) and client perceived provider cultural competence on client satisfaction and engagement with services. Families in SC completed more treatment goals than those in SAU. In addition, provider cultural competence and client satisfaction were higher in SC than in SAU. Higher provider cultural competence was associated with higher goal attainment and satisfaction, and these effects partially mediated the service program differences. The effects of service type and cultural competence on goal attainment and satisfaction varied somewhat by client ethnicity. Findings suggest that clients receiving manualized programs for child maltreatment may be more likely to meet their goals and may perceive such programs to be culturally appropriate and satisfactory.

From a “Perfect Storm” to “Smooth Sailing”

“…In places where SafeCare is in the sustainment phase and leadership sup- port among policymakers appears to be in place, our other published research provides evidence of positive outcome associated with both the outer context (e.g., service system level) and the inner context (e.g., organizational and client level). At the organizational level, for example, SafeCare implementation has resulted in higher home visitor workforce retention and reduced burnout, in addition to reduced client recidivism and high client ratings of satisfaction and service quality (Chaffin et al, 2012; Chaffin, Hecht et al, 2012; Damashek, Bard, & Hecht, 2012). Additionally, despite policymaker concerns regarding the perceived cultural relevance of Safe- Care services, research increasingly supports the effectiveness of SafeCare across ethnic groups, including some American Indian and Latino populations.…”

Principles of Precision Prevention Science for Improving Recruitment and Retention of Participants

“…The literature examining demographics and risk factors, however, has mixed findings (Damashek et al 2011;Smith et al 2017). For example, in some programs, family distress is not only related to higher engagement, but also may be related to lower retention (Damashek et al 2012;Smith et al 2017). Some of the variation in findings could be because demographics and broad risk factors are proxies for other factors that explain more of the variation in findings.…”

“…Another important factor in participant engagement and retention is whether the program has been designed or adapted to fit the participants (Damashek et al 2012;Gonzales 2017;Parra Cardona et al 2012). Attention to culture may aid in program utilization and retention (Catalano et al 1993).…”

Collaboration, Negotiation, and Coalescence for Interagency-Collaborative Teams to Scale-Up Evidence-Based Practice

“…SafeCare is designed for families involved in or at-risk for child neglect and child welfare system involvement. It has demonstrated effectiveness with diverse populations and also improves service provider burnout and staff retention (Aarons, Fettes, Flores, & Sommerfeld, 2009; Aarons, Sommerfeld, Hecht, Silovsky, & Chaffin, 2009; Chaffin, Bard, Bigfoot, & Maher, 2012; Chaffin, Hecht, Bard, Silovsky, & Beasley, 2012; Damashek, Bard, & Hecht, 2012; Silovsky et al, 2011). SafeCare incorporates a generalized problem-solving approach into three modules: 1) home safety/accident prevention, 2) child health, and 3) parent-child and/or parent-infant interaction.…”