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Gautschi J, Lätsch D. The effectiveness of interventions to prevent and reduce child maltreatment in high-income countries: An umbrella review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 153:106845. [PMID: 38761720 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, many interventions targeting the occurrence (primary prevention) or the recurrence (secondary prevention) of child abuse and neglect have been tested. Findings have been synthesized in several meta-analyses and systematic reviews. However, the range of interventions addressed in these studies is very broad, and an integrative assessment of this large spectrum is lacking. OBJECTIVE Focusing on high-income countries, we ask (i) what is known about the effectiveness of interventions to prevent or reduce child abuse and neglect and (ii) how robust this evidence is. METHODS A systematic review of systematic reviews, called an umbrella review, was conducted. Ten databases on OvidSP and Web of Science were searched up until April 2023. Narrative synthesis was used to document the publications' findings. RESULTS 44 publications were included in the umbrella review. We did not find that any type of intervention had a clear, consistent, and robust track record of preventing or reducing the occurrence of child abuse and neglect. Rather, publications examining the effectiveness of interventions in all areas frequently reported non-existent, small or inconsistent effects. However, positive effects for particular interventions in specific settings did emerge. Research methodologies showed several and often severe problems. CONCLUSIONS We suggest several measures to improve the quality of research and call on practitioners to be persistent in developing more effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gautschi
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, School of Social Work, Institute of Childhood, Youth, and Family, Pfingstweidstrasse 96, CH-8037 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - David Lätsch
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, School of Social Work, Institute of Childhood, Youth, and Family, Pfingstweidstrasse 96, CH-8037 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Giordano F, Salimbeni CT, Jefferies P. The Tutor of Resilience Program with Children Who Have Experienced Maltreatment: Mothers' Involvement Matters. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:295-307. [PMID: 35916984 PMCID: PMC10891266 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01393-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Resilience is a dynamic process involving the presence and interaction of personal and environmental factors that modify the impact of adversity. Resilience-building interventions are therefore important for improving trauma-related outcomes in children and caregivers exposed to adversity. This study examines the impact of the Tutor of Resilience (TOR) program on beneficiaries' trauma-related symptoms and on mother-child interactions in a group of children exposed to maltreatment (N = 186; mean age = 11.95; SD = 2.50). Assessments were completed at baseline and post-intervention. RM-ANOVAs indicated significant improvements for most trauma symptoms (anxiety, anger, post-traumatic stress, and disassociation, but not depression) in the intervention group relative to a control group (N = 88; mean age = 10.76; SD = 2.57), and indicated further improvements to anxiety and dissociation for the intervention group when mothers were involved. Mother-child interactions also improved over time, as did their overall trauma symptoms and distress. Findings support the effectiveness of the ToR, especially when involving mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Giordano
- Department of Psychology - Resilience Research Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Largo Gemelli 1, Milan, MI, 20121, Italy.
| | - C Taurelli Salimbeni
- Department of Psychology - Resilience Research Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Largo Gemelli 1, Milan, MI, 20121, Italy
| | - P Jefferies
- Family and Community Resilience, Canada Research Chair in Child, Resilience Research Centre Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada
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Morris H, Savaglio M, Halfpenny N, O’Donnell R, Pileggi A, Dunbar A, Miller R, Skouteris H. MacKillop Family Services' Family Preservation and Reunification Response for Vulnerable Families-Protocol for an Effectiveness-Implementation Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10279. [PMID: 34639578 PMCID: PMC8508066 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
International evidence supports the effect of intensive family preservation and reunification services in preventing children's placement in out-of-home care (OOHC). Evidence within Australia is scarce. This protocol paper describes a hybrid effectiveness-implementation evaluation of the Victorian Family Preservation and Reunification (FPR) Response implemented by MacKillop Family Services. Participants include families engaged in the program and staff involved in program delivery. A pre-post study design will be used to assess the effectiveness of the FPR in improving family outcomes from intake to closure, including: (i) parenting knowledge, skills, and capability; (ii) family safety and home environment; (iii) child development, adolescent behaviour, education attendance and attachment; (iv) connection to services; and (v) prevention of children from entering or re-entering OOHC. Interviews and focus groups will be conducted with staff to evaluate the program's fidelity, reach, feasibility, acceptability, and enablers and barriers to implementation. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and a series of paired-samples t-tests and F tests to examine changes in outcomes over time; thematic analysis will be used for qualitative data. If the FPR can yield significant improvements in families' outcomes, this would provide strong support for its scale-up across Australia, to better support vulnerable families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Morris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (M.S.); (R.O.); (H.S.)
| | - Melissa Savaglio
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (M.S.); (R.O.); (H.S.)
| | - Nick Halfpenny
- MacKillop Family Services, Melbourne 3205, Australia; (N.H.); (A.P.); (A.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Renee O’Donnell
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (M.S.); (R.O.); (H.S.)
| | - Alesia Pileggi
- MacKillop Family Services, Melbourne 3205, Australia; (N.H.); (A.P.); (A.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Andrea Dunbar
- MacKillop Family Services, Melbourne 3205, Australia; (N.H.); (A.P.); (A.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Robyn Miller
- MacKillop Family Services, Melbourne 3205, Australia; (N.H.); (A.P.); (A.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Helen Skouteris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (M.S.); (R.O.); (H.S.)
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Freeman A, Neiterman E, Varathasundaram S. Women's experiences of health care utilization in cases of early pregnancy loss: A scoping review. Women Birth 2020; 34:316-324. [PMID: 32859562 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, most occurring within the first trimester (<13 weeks). For many women early pregnancy loss has implications for short- and long- term mental health, and women's well-being following early pregnancy loss is impacted by their experiences within the healthcare setting. To improve quality of care, it is crucial to understand women's' experiences within the healthcare system in cases of early pregnancy loss. QUESTIONS What does the research literature tell us about the experiences of early pregnancy loss within healthcare settings? Are these experiences positive or negative? 'How can care improve for those experiencing early pregnancy loss?' METHODS A scoping review of the research literature was undertaken. Three research databases were searched for relevant articles published in English since 2009, with key words related to 'Experience', 'Healthcare' and 'Early Pregnancy Loss'. A thematic analysis was undertaken to identify and summarize key findings emerging from the research literature. FINDINGS Twenty-seven (27) articles met our inclusion criteria. Three main themes were identified: (1) issues related to communication, (2) challenges within care environments, and (3) inadequacies in aftercare. DISCUSSION The literature suggests that women's experiences related to healthcare for early pregnancy loss are largely negative, particularly within emergency departments. Recommendations to improve women's experiences should extend beyond attempts to improve existing care structures, to include emerging environments and providers. CONCLUSION Women's experiences identified within the literature provide further insights on what women are seeking from their care, and how care models can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Freeman
- School of Public Health and Health Systems (SPHHS), Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Elena Neiterman
- School of Public Health and Health Systems (SPHHS), Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Shya Varathasundaram
- School of Public Health and Health Systems (SPHHS), Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Behavioral Intervention in Mother–Child Dyads with Physical Child Abuse: Matching Theory in Clinical Setting. PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORD 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40732-020-00417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Plant CP, Donohue B, Freeman AJ, Allen DN. Examination of the Influence of Cognitive Behavior Therapy Components, Consumer Satisfaction and Engagement in Mothers Referred for Drug Abuse and Child Neglect on Treatment Outcomes. Behav Modif 2020; 45:1011-1040. [PMID: 32578438 DOI: 10.1177/0145445520935394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychological interventions for child maltreatment have predominately been limited to family-supported, multi-component behavioral therapies. Although these comprehensive programs have resulted in positive outcomes, they are relatively costly and there is limited information available as to how the components of these programs influence treatment outcomes. In this study, the CBT components of an evidence-based treatment for child neglect and drug abuse (Family Behavior Therapy) were examined in regards to consumer preferences, consumer engagement and treatment outcomes. Thirty-five mothers identified for child neglect and drug abuse were administered various CBT components successively and cumulatively based on their preferences. Repeated measure ANOVAs indicated that participants chose to receive components that were specific to managing antecedents to drug abuse and child neglect most frequently, followed by parenting skills training, communication skills training, and job/financial skills training. No differences were found in treatment providers' ratings of the participants' engagement across intervention components throughout treatment. Participants rated the intervention components as similarly helpful. Partial correlations revealed that participants' ratings of helpfulness and provider ratings of participants' engagement were not associated with improved drug use outcomes at 6- and 10-months post baseline. Participants' ratings of helpfulness were associated with child maltreatment outcomes at 10-month post baseline, and provider ratings of participants' engagement were associated with child maltreatment outcomes at both 6- and 10-month post baseline. Participants identified for neglect not related to drug exposure in utero improved at a higher percentage than did participants identified for in utero drug exposure, and receiving behavioral intervention components more frequently led to greater percentages of participants improving in both drug use and child maltreatment outcomes.
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Kirlic N, Cohen ZP, Singh MK. Is There an Ace Up Our Sleeve? A Review of Interventions and Strategies for Addressing Behavioral and Neurobiological Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Youth. ADVERSITY AND RESILIENCE SCIENCE 2020; 1:5-28. [PMID: 34278327 PMCID: PMC8281391 DOI: 10.1007/s42844-020-00001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to early life adversity (ELA) is a major public health crisis posing as a significant risk of immediate and sustained mental and physical health consequences. While a remarkable body of knowledge has been amassed showing psychological, cognitive, social, developmental, and neurobiological consequences of ELA exposure, little has been done to improve the long-term mental and physical health outcomes for youth exposed to ELA. Furthermore, neurobiological processes underlying poor outcomes in this population have been largely left out of prevention and intervention target efforts. In this review, we first describe ELA-related alterations across psychological and neurobiological systems in children and adolescents. Next, we describe existing evidence-based interventions targeting ELA-related outcomes. We then turn to experimental studies examining individual differences in mechanistic functioning consequent to ELA exposure, and strategies that target these mechanisms and modulate disrupted functioning. Finally, we highlight areas of future research that may be promising in engaging behavioral and neurobiological targets through novel preventive interventions or augmentation of existing interventions, thereby reducing negative mental and physical health outcomes later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namik Kirlic
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, 6655 South Yale Ave., Tulsa, OK 74136, USA
| | - Zsofia P. Cohen
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, 6655 South Yale Ave., Tulsa, OK 74136, USA
| | - Manpreet K. Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Prguda E, Burke K. All eyes on me as a parent: Professionals' and Offenders' views on parenting challenges and barriers to accessing parenting services. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 99:104226. [PMID: 31731140 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intergenerational transmission of ineffective parenting practices and the cycle of crime are well documented. Despite this, insufficient research has examined parenting support services for parents who are involved in the Criminal Justice System (CJS), particularly community corrections. Research suggests that barriers exist to offender parents utilizing support services in the community, including parenting services. OBJECTIVE This study examined the key barriers that prevent offender parents from accessing parenting services in the community, pathways to parenting support for parents through Corrective Services and community agencies, and the key parenting challenges that parents experience. METHOD, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 14 focus groups were conducted in Australia with professional staff from Corrective Services' Probation and Parole (n = 53), community agencies (n = 9), and parents serving community-based corrections orders (n = 8). RESULTS Inductive thematic analysis led to the identification of five themes that elucidate the key barriers to service access and parenting challenges including: insufficient available parenting programs, concerns and fear of child protection, intergenerational parenting problems, multiple presenting issues, and the fear of being judged. Overall, there was strong convergence in perspectives between professionals and parents, the key difference pertained to parental perceptions of child protection interventions. CONCLUSIONS In addition to their empirical contribution, the findings have resulted in recommendations on how to address barriers to service access, improve parent engagement and improve the implementation of evidence-based parenting programs for CJS-involved parents in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Prguda
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia; The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Kylie Burke
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia; The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
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Vischer AFWK, Post WJ, Grietens H, Knorth EJ, Bronfman E. Development of atypical parental behavior during an inpatient family preservation intervention program. Infant Ment Health J 2019; 41:5-23. [PMID: 31508841 PMCID: PMC7028130 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Since failed reunification is a detrimental outcome for children, particularly infants and toddlers, the aim of this study was to gain insight into support to families in multiple-problem situations to help them achieve sustainable good-enough parenting. Therefore, we examined outcomes of an assessment-based inpatient family preservation program. We prepared a thorough target-population description (n = 70) using file analysis. Next, we examined atypical parental behavior during the intervention using the Atypical Maternal Behavior Instrument for Assessment and Classification with a repeated measures design (n = 30). The family files revealed a great number of issues at the family, parent, and child levels, such as practical matters, problems in parent functioning and between parents, and difficulties in the broader environment. We found a significant decline in three dimensions of atypical parental behavior over time. This program has great potential in supporting vulnerable families in their pursuit of family preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Fleur W K Vischer
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy J Post
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Grietens
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik J Knorth
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Bronfman
- Behavioral Medicine and General Outpatient Service, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Ligier F, Giguère CE, Séguin M, Lesage A. Survey evidence of the decline in child abuse in younger Canadian cohorts. Eur J Pediatr 2019; 178:1423-1432. [PMID: 31338674 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-019-03432-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Physical and sexual abuse in childhood is a worldwide phenomenon with potentially dramatic consequences of both a psychological and physical nature. Measures of primary prevention have been developed in some countries. In the USA, child protection services reports and research surveys indicate that child sexual abuse has been on the decline in recent decades. Results are less clear for physical and overall abuse. The aim of this study was to describe how childhood abuse has changed over the years in Canada through an analysis of the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health Edition data. The sample comprised 22,775 respondents ages 20 and over who completed a child abuse questionnaire. Respondents born from 1983 to 1992 reported significantly less overall abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse than did older generations, with the exception of people born in 1942 or earlier. The decrease was observed among men and women and across all the regions of Canada.Conclusion: The results are encouraging in that they may have an impact on life expectancy, severity of various chronic disorders, and suicide in the population. They also support policies that have focused on improving the childhood environment in the 1990s. Results also underline the importance of using different kinds of data sources for evaluating child abuse. What is Known: • Physical and sexual abuse in childhood has been associated with lower life expectancy in connection with an array of chronic diseases, including mental disorders, and with suicide. • Measures of primary prevention have been developed in some countries, such as the USA and Canada. What is New: • Canadians born from 1983 to 1992 report significantly less overall abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse than older generations do. • These encouraging results support policies implemented in the 1990s focused on improving the childhood environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Ligier
- McGill Group on Suicide Studies, Montréal, Québec, Canada. .,Psychiatry Department, Montréal University, Montreal, Québec, Canada. .,Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada. .,EA 4360 APEMAC, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France. .,Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, 2 rue du Dr Archambault, 54520, Laxou, France.
| | - Charles-Edouard Giguère
- Banque Signature, Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Monique Séguin
- McGill Group on Suicide Studies, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Québec University, Outaouais, Canada.,Centre intégré de santé et service social de l'Outaouais (CISSSO), Outaouais, Canada
| | - Alain Lesage
- McGill Group on Suicide Studies, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Psychiatry Department, Montréal University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Québec Network on Suicide Research, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Latzman NE, Casanueva C, Brinton J, Forman‐Hoffman VL. The promotion of well-being among children exposed to intimate partner violence: A systematic review of interventions. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2019; 15:e1049. [PMID: 37131508 PMCID: PMC8356495 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia Brinton
- RTI InternationalResearch Triangle ParkNorth Carolina
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Leckey Y, Hickey G, Stokes A, McGilloway S. Parent and facilitator experiences of an intensive parent and infant programme delivered in routine community settings. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2019; 20:e74. [PMID: 31424376 PMCID: PMC6715579 DOI: 10.1017/s146342361900029x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aims of this study were to (1) assess the initial experiences of parenthood amongst mainly disadvantaged mothers; (2) explore their views on the extent to which they felt they had benefitted (or not) from participating in a newly developed, intensive mother and baby support programme in the community; and (3) explore the perspectives of those who delivered the programme (i.e., facilitators), most of whom were Public Health Nurses (PHNs). BACKGROUND Positive parent-child interactions and appropriate levels of infant stimulation are essential to promoting a child's well-being and laying a foundation in the early years for positive developmental outcomes. It is important, therefore, to examine participants' experiences of community-based, family-focused, early prevention and intervention programmes. METHODS This study was undertaken as part of a larger evaluation of a newly developed parent and infant (PIN) programme which was delivered in two disadvantaged areas in Ireland. One-to-one interviews were conducted with both mothers (n = 22) and facilitators (n = 8) (including three PHNs) plus six focus groups with an additional sub-group of facilitators (n = 17). FINDINGS The collective findings suggest that mothers found the programme helpful in promoting a greater understanding of their infants' behaviour and needs, and in alleviating stress and concerns associated with motherhood. Mothers described feeling more knowledgeable about the importance of regular and appropriate infant interaction to encourage learning and development. Facilitators, specifically PHNs, also reported a greater awareness of the value of infant socioemotional development for their clinical practice and observed greater positive communication between mothers and infants. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that a community-based, intensive mother and baby programme can help to promote parental competence and enhance infant learning and development. Additional benefits in terms of early intervention and positive changes to public health nursing practice are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Leckey
- Currently (and at time of research) Researcher with ENRICH Research Programme, Maynooth University Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Gráinne Hickey
- Currently (and at time of research) Research Programme Manager with ENRICH Research Programme, Maynooth University Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Ann Stokes
- Currently (and at time of research) Postdoctoral Researcher with ENRICH Research Programme, Maynooth University Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sinéad McGilloway
- Currently (and at time of research) Director of the Centre for Mental Health and Community Research at Maynooth University, Maynooth University Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
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Gubbels J, van der Put CE, Assink M. The Effectiveness of Parent Training Programs for Child Maltreatment and Their Components: A Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16132404. [PMID: 31284575 PMCID: PMC6651871 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This is the first meta-analytic review investigating what components and techniques of parent training programs for preventing or reducing child maltreatment are associated with program effectiveness. A literature search yielded 51 studies (N = 6670) examining the effectiveness of parent training programs for preventing or reducing child maltreatment. From these studies, 185 effect sizes were extracted and more than 40 program components and techniques were coded. A significant and small overall effect size was found (d = 0.416, 95% CI (0.334, 0.498), p < 0.001). No significant moderating effects were found for contextual factors and structural elements (i.e., program duration, delivery location, and delivery setting). Further, no significant moderating effects were found for most of the coded program components and techniques, indicating that these components are about equally effective. Only a few program components and techniques moderated program effectiveness, however these effects were negative. These results indicated that improving parental personal skills, improving problem solving skills, and stimulating children’s prosocial behavior should not be the main focus of parental training programs for preventing and reducing child maltreatment. This also holds for practicing new skills by rehearsal and giving direct feedback in program sessions. Further clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Gubbels
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 127, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Claudia E van der Put
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 127, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Assink
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 127, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Fallon B, Filippelli J, Joh-Carnella N, Milne E, Carradine J. Promoting Protective Factors in Environments of Risk for Young Children: An Organizing Framework for Practice, Policy, and Research. GENDER AND THE GENOME 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/2470289718820843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Early childhood is an important developmental period, which lays the foundation for future learning, behaviour, physical and mental health and gene expression. The most vulnerable children in society are often referred to and receive services from the child welfare system because of a concern of abuse and neglect and/or a poor developmental trajectory. This paper presents an organizing framework for how the child welfare system, in concert with allied partners, can support interventions for young children and families by acknowledging its crucial role in improving their development and well-being. The framework is informed by research amassed from numerous disciplines, including child welfare, development, neuroscience, neurobiology and epigenetics. Although the notions of protection and well-being are central considerations in child welfare legislation in Ontario, Canada, the operationalization of wellbeing has proven challenging in child welfare practice, policy and research. The framework proposes ten key indicators and priorities for identifying and promoting optimal child development. Findings from the 2013 cycle of the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (OIS-2013), the only provincial source of aggregated child welfare investigation data, are presented to articulate the divide between the environmental context of a population of at-risk children and the conditions that both protect children and increase the likelihood that they will thrive in adulthood. This paper argues there are different points of entry and intervention across sectors and provides a foundation for further discussion on how to promote well-being for society's most vulnerable children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Fallon
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joanne Filippelli
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Elizabeth Milne
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jessica Carradine
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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