Evaluation of an Intensive In-Home Family Treatment Program to Prevent Out-Of-Home Placement

Abstract

Family preservation programs were developed out of concern that some abused or neglected children were being placed unnecessarily in foster care without adequate attempts first being made to rehabilitate and retain the intact family. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an intensive, in-home family preservation program, which provides counseling services to families at imminent risk of having a child or children removed from the home. Pre- and post-intervention scores showed statistically significant, positive change between the initial and termination assessments across five domains: family environment, family social support, family interactions, parent(s)/caregivers, and child well-being. Implications for social work practice, research, and advocacy are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Family preservation
• at-risk children
• evidence-based practice

Notes

1. “The Children's Division Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Unit (CA/NHU) accept confidential reports of suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Reports are received through a toll-free telephone line which is answered seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Members of certain occupational groups, such as teachers, social workers, and physicians, are mandated by law to make reports to the Hotline. Any person may report, and anonymous reports are accepted from individual who are not mandated by occupation to report” http://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/can.htm.

2. One family was enrolled in late December 2002, but all other families were not enrolled until 2003.