Outcome Evaluation of a Community Center-Based Program for Mothers at High Psychosocial Risk

• NCJ Number: 216322
• Journal: Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 20 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2006 Pages: 1049-1064
• Author(s): Maria Jose Rodrigo; Maria Luisa Maiquez; Ana Delia Correa; Juan Carlos Martin; Guacimara Rodriguez
• Date Published: September 2006
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research); Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report presents findings from the outcome evaluation of the Apoyo Personal y Familiar (APF) program for poorly educated mothers from multiproblem families who showed problem parenting behavior with their children in several towns on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain).

Abstract

The evaluation found that the program produced changes in three types of indicators: mothers' theories of parenting, the mothers' perceived importance of the influence of their behavior on their children, and self-reported child-rearing behaviors. Mothers' support of "nurturist" (children only need food and physical care) and "nativism" (a child's behavior does not depend on what you do as a parent) beliefs decreased after program completion, as did the reported use of neglect-permissive and coercive parenting practices. The evaluation also found an increase in mothers' use of "inductive" practices (giving children explanations of rules; providing reasons for desired behavior; pointing out harmful consequence of the child's behavior; and offering support, confidence, and communication). There were significant increases in self-efficacy, internal control, and dealing with parental role difficulties compared with mothers in the control group. The program was particularly effective for older mothers, those with fewer children, those living in a two-parent family, those living in urban areas, and those with either low or medium levels of education. The APF is a community-based, multisite program delivered through weekly group meetings in municipal resource centers. A total of 340 mothers referred by the municipal social services of Tenerife were assessed; 185 of them participated in the APF program, which lasted 8 months; and 155 mothers were in the control group (did not participate in the program). The evaluation involved self-report measures of parenting beliefs, personal agency, and child-rearing practices, 3 tables and 48 references