This study evaluated the Pathways Home manualized selective preventive intervention that was designed to prevent reunification failures once children are returned home to their biological parent(s) after first-time stays in foster care (N = 101). The theoretically-based intervention focused on support and parent management practices designed to prevent the development of child behavior problems, including internalizing and externalizing problems and also substance use. Intent-to-treat analyses employed probability growth curve approaches for repeated telephone assessments over 16 weeks of intervention. Findings showed that relative to "services as usual" reunification families, the Pathways Home families demonstrated better parenting strategies that were, in turn, associated with reductions in problem behaviors over time. Growth in problem behaviors predicted foster care reentry. Maternal substance use cravings were a risk factor for growth in problem behaviors; this risk was buffered by participation by the Pathways Home intervention. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.
Preventing Child Behavior Problems and Substance Use: The Pathways Home Foster Care Reunification Intervention
NCJ Number
244169
Journal
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 5 Dated: November-December Group Pages: 388-406
Date Published
November 2013
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the Pathways Home manualized selective preventive intervention that was designed to prevent family reunification failures.
Abstract