NCJ Number
152374
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Child and family interventions to prevent child abuse are conceptualized as a combination of strategies designed to improve both personal competencies and enhance social supports, and effective models of preventive service delivery for high-risk families are noted.
Abstract
Successful child abuse prevention programs combine school readiness, family support, and intensive child care resources to create an environment that empowers parents. The Welcome Baby Program designed by South Carolina's Council on Child Abuse and Neglect offers support and education to new parents and provides support to new parents who seem potentially dysfunctional. The Hawaii Family Support System is a community-based, multidisciplinary program designed to prevent child abuse and neglect, enhance parent functioning, and promote child development. The STEEP (Steps Toward Effective, Enjoyable Parenting) Program developed by the University of Minnesota incorporates various strategies to promote healthy family interaction and development. Kentucky's Parent and Child Education Program promotes family literacy, while the Childhaven Program in Seattle, Washington, offers practical parent education. Boston's Healthy Baby and Healthy Child Program uses a network of 12 neighborhood clinics and two hospitals to provide good prenatal and postpartum care, encourage positive maternal functioning, and offer counseling. Colorado's Community Infant Project creates an individualized program for each family to boost parent functioning and skills. Created by the University of Washington, the Family Support Project-Homebuilders Program is designed to establish, maintain, and strengthen family social support resources.