NCJ Number
182692
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2000 Pages: 19-36
Date Published
January 2000
Length
18 pages
Annotation
An evaluation of an intervention program for families at risk for child neglect in Quebec, Canada, compared a group of families that took part in the program with a group that underwent psychosocial intervention provided as part of regular Local Community Services Center services and focused mainly on the social worker-family relationship.
Abstract
The multidimensional eco-systemic program called Personal, Family and Community Help Program (PFCHP) had four parts: (1) home visiting assistance, (2) group meetings for parents, (3) stimulation of the children through educational activities while their parents attended group meetings, and (4) individual counseling by the social worker. The intervention lasted an average of 16.3 months. The evaluation collected information from 29 families by means of pre-test measures and a follow-up 24 months later. Results of quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that both forms of intervention were associated with improved parent-child relationships and the reduction of parental stress, depression, and the potential for child abuse and neglect. However, PFCHP participants displayed multiple indications of improvement in their social and marital relationships, unlike the comparison groups. Findings indicated the need for a long-term intervention process for families at high risk for child neglect and for programs that address multiple dimensions of family life. Tables, figures, and 36 references (Author abstract modified)