M2a

TESTING AN INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE RETENTION IN PARENTING PROGRAMS AMONG DEEP-END CHILD WELFARE PARENTS

Presenters: Mark Chaffin

Abstract Category: Research

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Not Provided

Description:

Controlled trial of motivationally-based orientation group on subsequent parenting program drop-out.

Abstract: 

Parenting programs are a staple of child welfare brokered services. A major problem in these programs is high drop-out. This randomized trial study compared a six-session motivational orientation group pre-parenting program intervention with a standard six-session orientation intervention.

Parenting program retention was tested across two types of parenting programs--a standard parenting group program, and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT). The parenting group focused on acquiring parenting information and changing parenting attitudes, whereas PCIT focuses on changing specific parenting behaviors in live coached parent-child interactions. PCIT requires high levels of parent activity.

Participants in the study were primarily deep-end child welfare cases (e.g., multiple prior child welfare cases, multiple children in foster care, often approaching termination of parental rights).

Findings suggested a significant orientation type by parenting program type interaction effect. Specifically, the motivational orientation intervention produced reducted drop-out for parents assigned to PCIT, but not for parents assigned to the parenting group.

Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that motivation to change behavior is uniquely relevant to those parenting programs that are behaviorally focused and require direct parent action as part of the intervention.