Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Beasley, Lana O
• Silovsky, Jane F
• Ridings, Leigh E
• Smith, Tyler J
• Owora, Arthur

Titel

UUnderstanding Program Engagement and Attrition in Child Abuse Prevention

Ist Teil von

• Journal of family strengths, 2014-12, Vol.14 (1)

Ort / Verlag

Houston: Children at Risk

Erscheinungsjahr

2014

Link zum Volltext

Quelle

Elektronische Zeitschriftenbibliothek - Frei zugängliche E-Journals

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Engaging and retaining families is a common challenge when serving families at high risk. McCurdy and Daro’s (2001) Integrated Theory of Parental Involvement (ITPI) proposes factors that impact engagement and retention in services. While several studies have found varying family demographic and risk factors to be associated with family engagement in home-based services, (withheld citation for purpose of review) identified program and provider characteristics that predicted engagement and retention (withheld citation for purpose of review). Specifically, SafeCare (SC) had greater enrollment (4 times) and retention (8.5 times) rates than services as usual (SAU), likely due to SC’s skill-based approach targeting desired topics. As a follow-up to this quantitative study, we conducted separate focus groups with parents who engaged and who failed to engage in SC (N= 16) and SAU (N=18). Provider characteristics (e.g., caring, experienced with children, nonjudgmental) was the strongest themes for engagement across groups. Program and provider flexibility and providers’ persistent support for parents despite life chaos facilitated retention. Results suggest that provider characteristics and program approach are key in engagement of families in home-based services. These results suggest expansion of the ITPI to address social context. Results suggestfocusing on specific provider characteristics and program approach for work force and program development to increase program engagement and decrease attrition. Key Take Away Points Results suggest that: Provider characteristics, approach, and support are key in engagement of families in home-based services. Expansion of the Integrated Theory of Parent Involvement (ITPI) model is needed to address factors of engagement related to specific provider and program factors and for attrition focus on provider and program factors as well as integrated factors. Focus within home-based services should be on specific provider characteristics and program approach to increase program engagement and decrease attrition