Parents' persistence and certification in a two-generation education and training program

Two-generation programs provide education and training services for parents while their children attend early childhood education programs. This study examines the rates of persistence and certification of parents in one of the only two-generation interventions in the country under study, CareerAdvance®, which offers training in the healthcare sector to parents while their children attend Head Start (n = 92). Results indicate that 16 months after enrolling in CareerAdvance®, 76% of participants attained at least one workforce-applicable certificate of the program and 59% were still in the program. The majority of parents who left the program during the 16 months had attained a certificate (68%). Parents with high levels of material hardship were more likely to attain a certificate and stay enrolled in the program, and parents with higher levels of psychological distress were less likely to attain a certificate in the same time period. Implications for future two-generation programming are discussed.     

Looking for sufficient change: Evaluation of counsellor training for STI syndromic management in India

In India, public health care of Sexually Transmitted Infections is delivered through Designated STI/RTI Clinics (DSRCs) using syndromic management. This paper describes efforts, over three years, to improve in-service training for counsellors positioned at DSRCs—using a data approach. The programme managers realised, through rigorous monitoring of initial induction training reports that, while knowledge and attitudes of most trainees had improved as evident from t-tests, at least one-quarter scored worse on post-training assessments (n = 859). Therefore, they undertook a survey using a competency approach to diagnose what critical competencies are influenced through training: counselling skills, risk reduction suggestions, labelling male and female anatomy, record-keeping and STI patient education (n = 132). Survey results demonstrated that trainees failed to pass a two-thirds cutoff score in most competencies. These findings led the programme managers to modify training and implement tighter quality measures. In the second round of training – refresher training – outcomes on competency assessments before and after training showed more acceptable performance (n = 833). The paper describes how programme managers, after an acceptance of such initial short-comings, developed customized assessments when literature provided limited guidance and how they worked to achieve change that was acceptable for programme needs.     

Factors that influence parent recruitment into prevention programs in early childhood: A concept map of parents', practitioners', and administrators' points of view

Given that parents are the main carriers of change in their child, their participation in programs for preventing behavior problems in early childhood represents a key element in ensuring the success of the intervention. That said, although at-risk families benefit the most from this type of program, they are identified as being hard to reach. This study aims at identifying the factors that influence parent recruitment based on the points of view of the actors concerned. To this end, a concept mapping operation was performed, which involved parents (n = 19), practitioners (n = 19), and administrators (n = 13) from community and public organizations. The participants generated 131 statements to complete the following sentence: In your opinion, parents would enroll more in prevention activities for their child if…. These 131 statements were classified into 12 groups representing the factors that influence parent recruitment, all of which were considered relatively important (between 3.51 and 4.42 on 5). The participants also agree on an understanding of recruitment that tends toward an ecological model. This study shows that parent recruitment into prevention programs targeting behavior problems in early childhood is complex and multifactorial (including factors that concern parents, practitioners, services, organizations, and policies). Because the map shows that the influencing factors in recruitment appear to be interrelated, they should all be considered to increase the chances of reaching at-risk families.     

Empowering children with safety-skills: An evaluation of the Kidpower Everyday Safety-Skills Program

Changes in child safety knowledge concerning bullying, boundary-setting, and help-seeking were evaluated after participation in the Kidpower Everyday Safety Skills Program (ESSP), a workshop designed to increase children's knowledge of safe choices. The program consisted of an in-school workshop, weekly follow-up sessions, and homework assignments over 10 weeks and included skills-training, parental involvement, and opportunities to practice safety skills. Third-grade students (n = 128) participated in pre- and post-tests of safety skills, and were compared to a comparison group (n = 110) that did not participate in the program. Findings indicate that students who participated had increases in safety knowledge (maintained over 3 months) greater than the comparison group. Additional assessments indicate that the program was implemented with high fidelity and both teachers and students found the program successful. Children's understanding of the competency areas boundary-setting, stranger safety, help-seeking, and maintaining calmness and confidence improved.     

Development of an innovative process evaluation approach for the Families Improving Together (FIT) for weight loss trial in African American adolescents

This study demonstrates how a multi-theoretical, multilevel process evaluation was used to assess implementation of the Families Improving Together (FIT) for weight loss intervention. FIT is a randomized controlled trial evaluating a culturally tailored, motivational plus family-based program on weight loss in African American adolescents and their parents. Social Cognitive, Self Determination, Family Systems theories and cultural tailoring principles guided the conceptualization of essential elements across individual/family, facilitator, and group levels. Data collection included an observational rating tool, attendance records, and a validated psychosocial measure.ResultsAttendance records (0 = absent, 1 = present, criteria = ≥70%) indicated that 71.5% of families attended each session. The survey (1 = false, 6 = true, criteria = ≥4.5) indicated that participants perceived a positive group climate (M = 5.16, SD = 0.69). A trained evaluator reported that facilitator dose delivered (0 = no, 1 = yes, criteria = ≥75%) was high (99.6%), and fidelity (1 = none to 4 = all, criteria = ≥3) was adequate at facilitator (M = 3.63, SD = 0.41) and group levels (M = 3.35, SD = 0.49). Five cultural topics were raised by participants related to eating (n = 3) and physical activity (n = 2) behaviors and were integrated as part of the final curriculum.DiscussionResults identify areas for program improvement related to delivery of multi-theoretical and cultural tailoring elements. Findings may inform future strategies for implementing effective weight loss programs for ethnic minority families.     

Program records as a source for program implementation assessment and youth outcomes predictors during residential care

This study used point card information from a residential program to generate treatment fidelity metrics and determine if the metrics predicted youth outcomes after six months in care. Youth outcomes included staff (n = 52) and youth (n = 143) ratings, youth conduct records kept by the residential program's teaching-family homes and school records. Treatment fidelity metrics included the program components: (a) percentage of positive interactions, (b) number of privileges earned, and (c) a skills taught to interactions ratio. The percentage of positive interactions averaged 90% per youth; 76% of the point cards indicated that privileges were earned; and a variety of life skills were typically taught to the youth (skills ratio = .61). The data from the treatment fidelity metrics supported that the program was implemented consistent with program expectations. The range of implementation quality for each measured component was then used to predict youth outcomes. Increased percent of positive interactions predicted significantly decreased externalizing behaviors as reported by staff (β = − 0.31, p < .001) and youth (β = − 0.30, p < .001), and significantly fewer incidents of non-compliance (Exp(b) = 0.93, p < .001) and school problems (Exp(b) = 0.91, p < .001) as indicated on the program records. The skills ratio indicated similar trends across outcomes, although non-significant at the p < .01 level. Permanent products may be helpful to develop program treatment fidelity metrics, which may be useful for monitoring implementation and may be associated with improved youth outcomes.     

Heterogeneity among adolescent mothers and home visiting program outcomes

Despite the challenges of early parenting, many adolescents navigate motherhood successfully, underscoring an overlooked heterogeneity among adolescent mothers. The present study used Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify subgroups of adolescent mothers (n = 704) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluation of a home visiting program for young parents. The model incorporated demographic and background characteristics, as well as indicators of psychological vulnerability. Analyses revealed four distinct subgroups: (a) non-Hispanic high vulnerability (n = 209, 30%); (b) Hispanic high vulnerability (n = 98, 14%); (c) non-Hispanic moderate vulnerability (n = 241, 34%); and (d) Hispanic moderate vulnerability (n = 156, 22%). Mothers in the two high vulnerability subgroups exhibited the poorest personal and parenting functioning outcomes measured approximately two years postpartum, particularly in terms of child maltreatment (non-Hispanic high vulnerability) and depressive symptoms (Hispanic high vulnerability). Analyses revealed positive effects of the home visiting program within specific latent classes on such outcomes as healthy baby at birth, high school or GED attainment, and repeat birth.     

Cooks training for Faith,Activity, and Nutrition project with AME churches in SC

PurposeThis study describes the development and evaluation of a participatory training for cooks in African American churches.The 8-h training focused on providing healthy meals within the church food program. It enlisted cooks in hands-on “cooking with the chef” training and menu building exercises, and demonstrated development of flavor in foods through healthy ingredients. Cook ratings from pre- to post-training (possible range: 1–10) were evaluated with the Wilcoxon signed rank test.Results114 cooks from 57 churches over the period from 7/21/07 to 3/21/11 participated in trainings. Self-rated cooking skill increased from pre- (6.5 ± SD) to post-training (7.9 ± SD), p = 0.0001. Self-rated confidence in preparing meals also increased significantly (pre: 7.3 ± SD; post: 8.3 ± SD), p = 0001.Qualitative feedback from the cooks’ training has been positive. Two of the more frequently stated changes cooks report are using less salt and using more vegetables and fruits in menus. Lessons learned include: choosing the right church to host the training, teamwork as a key component, need for support system for church cooks, allocation of time for planning as well as shopping for healthy ingredients, and incorporation of flexibility into the training plan.     

The effectiveness of a parenting education program based on respected parents & respected children for mothers of preschool-aged children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Respected Parents & Respected Children (RPRC) parenting education program for mothers of preschool-aged children in South Korea. A total of 99 mothers were assigned to an intervention group (n = 54) or a control group (n = 45). Mothers in the intervention group received 16 weekly sessions of the parenting education program and then were compared with mothers who did not take part in the program. Questionnaires were used to assess parenting characteristics (i.e., maternal depression and anger, parenting behavior, co-parenting, parenting efficacy, and parenting stress) at baseline (pre-test), immediately after the termination of the program (post-test), and 8 months after the end of the program (follow-up test). Maternal rejection/restrictions, dissatisfaction, and parental distress of the intervention group decreased and efficacy as parents improved after taking part in the program, and these effects were sustained at follow-up. Our findings support the effectiveness of the RPRC parenting education program in changing parenting strategies and satisfaction and emphasize the need for preventive interventions for parents with young children.     

Exploration of factors predictive of at-risk fathers' participation in a pilot study of an augmented evidence-based parent training program: A mixed methods approach

There has been burgeoning parenting intervention research specifically addressing fathers in recent decades. Corresponding research examining their participation and engagement in evidence-based parent training programs, which have almost exclusively targeted mothers, is just emerging. The current study used mixed methods to examine factors that influenced completion of an augmented version of an evidence-based child maltreatment prevention program developed for male caregivers called SafeCare Dad to Kids (Dad2K) in a pilot study. The current sample comprised 50 male caregivers (M_age = 29.42 years, SD = 8.18) of a child between the ages of 2 and 5 years. Fathers participated in a baseline assessment and were considered program completers (n = 27) if they participated in the program's six home visiting sessions. A subsample of completers (n = 11) was recruited to participate in qualitative interviews that provided in-depth information about fathers' experiences in Dad2K. Logistic regression indicated that, in the context of other demographic predictors, fathers with an education beyond high school were over 5 times more likely to complete Dad2K program compared to fathers with a high school education or less. Qualitative analyses revealed that interviewed father completers were motivated to enroll and participate in a fathering program because of an interest to learn and obtain skills to make them a better parent. Fathers with a high school education or less may require additional engagement strategies to help proactively encourage their enrollment and completion of parent training programs.     

Physical activity and nutrition program for adults with metabolic syndrome: Process evaluation

IntroductionThe Vietnam Physical Activity and Nutrition (VPAN) program aimed to improve physical activity and nutrition for adults aged 50–65 years with Metabolic Syndrome in Vietnam. The VPAN program consisted of a range of resources and strategies, including an information booklet, resistance band, face-to-face education sessions, and walking groups. This process evaluation assessed the participation, fidelity, satisfaction, and reasons for completing and not-completing the VPAN.MethodsData were collected by mixed-methods from a sample of 214 intervention participants. Quantitative data were collected via surveys (n = 163); qualitative data via face-to-face exit interviews with intervention program completers (n = 10) and non-completers (n = 10), and brief post education session discussions.ResultsMost participants (87%–96%) reported the program resources and strategies useful, assisting them to increase their physical activity level and improving their diet. The education sessions were the most preferred strategy (97%) with high attendance (>78% of participants). The main reasons for withdrawal were work commitments and being too busy.ConclusionThe evaluation indicated that the program reached and engaged the majority of participants throughout the six-month intervention. The combination of printed resources and face-to-face intervention components was a suitable approach to support lifestyle behavioural change in the Vietnamese population.     

Evaluating school and parent reports of the national student achievement testing system (SIMCE) in Chile: Access,comprehension, and use

This evaluation examined school and parent reports of the national student achievement testing system (SIMCE) in Chile regarding three dimensions: access, comprehension, and use. We conducted phone surveys with a representative sample of directors (N = 375), teachers (N = 1145) and parents (N = 625), and we collected more in-depth data through interviews and focus groups in 16 of these schools. The results indicate that access to the reports is not an obstacle to use for school actors, but it is for parents. While summative ratings of the reports in terms of their clarity and utility were generally very positive, the actual recall and interpretation of even basic information (assessed through case scenarios) was incorrect for a majority of teachers and parents, and reported uses of the information were both intended and unintended in nature. We also found some statistically significant differences regarding comprehension and use among subgroups of our sample. Our findings are especially relevant given the expectations attached to the use of the reports for school improvement on the one hand, and parents’ behavior as critical consumers of education on the other hand.     

Diabetes education program for people with type 2 diabetes: An international perspective

BackgroundIn the Palestinian community, lifestyle changes, rapid urbanization and socioeconomic development, stress, smoking, and changes in food habits has increased the risk of non-communicable diseases especially diabetes mellitus. Diabetes complications can be prevented if the glycemic status of patients with diabetes is maintained within a nearly normal range. Therefore, patient education is critical in controlling blood glucose levels within the normal range.ObjectiveThis study aimed at measuring the effect of diabetes educational intervention program for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes attending the Diabetes Clinic in Tulkarim Directorate of Health.MethodsA short duration observational study involving pre- and post-test educational intervention program was carried out on a relatively small number of type 2 diabetes patients at the Diabetes Clinic in Tulkarim Directorate of Health. In total, 215 patients attended a group-based 4 h educational intervention session about diabetes. The program included explaining diabetes mellitus-symptoms, risk factors, types, treatment and complications and main aspects of self-care of the disease (foot care, eye care, and blood glucose monitoring), main aspects of dietary management, weight reduction, blood pressure, smoking cessation, periodic investigations, home monitoring and importance of physical activity. Knowledge evaluation questionnaire were evaluated pre- and post-study. Anthropometric measurements such as body weight (WT), body mass index (BMI) and laboratory tests such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), cholesterol (Chol), and triglycerides (TG) were measured both at the beginning and at the end of the study. Significance of the results was assessed by paired t-test at 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe participant’s mean age was 51.07 that ranged between 31 and 70 years. For a total of 215 participants, 41.4% were males and 58.6% were females. The mean weight before educational intervention was 80.81 ± 14.95 kg (82.6 kg for males and 79.5 kg for females) that decreased to 78.9 ± 14.33 kg (81.1 kg for males and 77.3 kg for females) after educational intervention program. The BMI also decreased significantly after educational intervention. The mean fasting blood sugar was 188.65 ± 71.45 mg/dL before educational intervention that decreased to 177.7 ± 66.11 mg/dL after the educational intervention (p = 0.049). The mean glycosylated hemoglobin was 8.57 ± 1.21 before educational intervention that decreased to 7.95 ± 1.42 after educational intervention. The mean value of cholesterol before educational intervention was 183.27 ± 37.74 mg/dL that decreased to 169.57 ± 34.23 mg/dL after educational intervention. The mean triglycerides value decreased after educational intervention from 209.85 ± 171.04 mg/dL to 183.28 ± 152.4 mg/dL (p = 0.025). The mean score of knowledge questionnaire before educational intervention was 60.6 ± 20.65 that increased to 78.1 ± 13.4 after conducting educational intervention.ConclusionsDiabetes education was found to be effective on BMI, FBG, HbA1c, Chol, TG, and knowledge.RecommendationsDiabetes education is a cornerstone in the management and care of diabetes and should be an integral part of health planning involving patient’s family, diabetes care team, community, and decision makers in the education process.     

Examining implementation and preliminary performance indicators of veterans treatment courts: The Kentucky experience

Veterans’ Treatment Courts (VTCs) are posited as a solution to offer rehabilitation for veterans involved in the criminal justice system. Despite the pervasive implementation of VTCs, there is little research focused specifically on VTC implementation and outcomes, which are based on other problem-solving court models such as drug court. The current study presents qualitative process evaluation data from key stakeholders (n = 21) and veteran participants (n = 4) to show accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned during first-year implementation at two VTC sites. Quantitative performance data is also presented on veteran participants (n = 19) served during the first year to show: types of services, monitoring, judicial interaction, sanctions/therapeutic responses, and rewards, as well as preliminary data on recidivism. Qualitative data, from both key stakeholders and veteran participants, suggests that offering rehabilitation via various program components, services/referrals, and accountability are critical to the success of the VTC. Data also provides valuable lessons learned for VTC implementation including communication, collaboration, information/protocols, and resources. Performance data shows that a variety of services are utilized and that frequent judicial interaction, drug testing, and sanctions are cornerstones of the VTC. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.     

A parent's place: Parents', mentors' and program staff members' expectations for and experiences of parental involvement in community-based youth mentoring relationships

Youth mentoring has been conceptualized largely as a dyadic relationship between a mentor and mentee, with less attention paid to the role of parents. This study contributes to an emerging body of research on parent involvement by examining expectations for parents' roles in the mentoring process held by program staff, mentors, and parents themselves. In-depth interviews with mentoring program staff (n = 12), mentors (n = 30), and a parent or guardian of the youth being mentored (n = 30) were analyzed to identify these participants' views on the role of parents. Findings indicate that mentors and program staff were more aligned in their views and tended to be more focused on the ways that parents could potentially interfere with or otherwise disrupt the mentor–youth relationship. Parents' views were more varied and rooted in differences in both their individual values and beliefs about the role of a mentor in their child's life, their parenting styles and ways they expected adults outside of the family who were interacting with their child to engage with them. Implications for future research on parent involvement and for mentoring program practices are discussed.     

Implementation and program evaluation of trauma-informed care training across state child advocacy centers: An exploratory study

Awareness of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is essential for all professionals employed at child advocacy centers (CAC). This study evaluated the effectiveness of a training program that utilized a modified version of a TIC curriculum accessible through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) among CAC workers in Florida. The workers' TIC knowledge level (n = 203) was examined prior to the training, immediately thereafter, and in a 12-month follow-up. Participants in general had similar levels of TIC knowledge before the training although the knowledge level was significantly affected by race/ethnicity, years of working experience, and educational degree. The results also indicated that participants' TIC knowledge significantly increased after training, with an effect size of 0.71. This increase appeared to be universal among participants. Further, the significant increase still maintained in the 12-month follow-up test. The analysis of participants' responses to two open-ended questions suggested that most participants were satisfied with the program. It is suggested that training efforts need to be conducted frequently to ensure that CAC employees get repeated exposure to the information in order to ultimately improve the services they provide to victims.     

Ready or not: The influence of readiness on healthy marriage and relationship education training outcomes

This exploratory study utilizes a sample of human service providers and administrators to examine personal, agency, and collaborative readiness as predictors of training outcomes (utility reaction, gains in knowledge, and transfer of learning). The study is informed by the child welfare training evaluation model to address the effect of participants' (n = 58) readiness indicators and learning impact in relation to the transfer of learning that takes place following a one-day training. Participants' personal and agency readiness predicted their utility reaction, while personal readiness predicted gains in knowledge. The association between agency readiness and transfer of learning was partially mediated by utility reaction. Implications are drawn for both human service providers and researchers.     

Risky sexual behavior and substance use among adolescents: A meta-analysis

This study presents the results of a meta-analysis of the association between substance use and risky sexual behavior among adolescents. 87 studies fit the inclusion criteria, containing a total of 104 independent effect sizes that incorporated more than 120,000 participants. The overall effect size for the relationship between substance use and risky sexual behavior was in the small to moderate range (r = .22, CI = .18, .26). Further analyses indicated that the effect sizes did not substantially vary across the type of substance use, but did substantially vary across the type of risky sexual behavior being assessed. Specifically, mean effect sizes were the smallest for studies examining unprotected sex (r = .15, CI = .10, .20), followed by studies examining number of sexual partners (r = .25, CI = .21, .30), those examining composite measures of risky sexual behavior (r = .38, CI = .27, .48), and those examining sex with an intravenous drug user (r = .53, CI = .45, .60). Furthermore, our results revealed that the relationship between drug use and risky sexual behavior is moderated by several variables, including sex, ethnicity, sexuality, age, sample type, and level of measurement. Implications and future directions are discussed.     

Parent perspectives on adoption preparation: Findings from the Modern Adoptive Families project

Preparing prospective adoptive parents for receiving a child into their family is an important task for child and family professionals. This study uses data from the recent Modern Adoptive Families survey to understand parent perspectives on their preparation for adoption. Logistic regression (n = 917) and qualitative thematic analysis of adoptive parents' comments about their adoption preparation were conducted to understand aspects of the preparatory experience that were satisfactory (n = 623) or dissatisfactory (n = 283). Child emotional and behavioral problems significantly predicted parent dissatisfaction with adoption preparation. Major themes for satisfactory aspects of preadoption services included receiving information about adoption in general and, more specifically, about clinical and special populations, and parenting tools and strategies. In addition, parents identified opportunities to connect with others touched by adoption and access to specialized post-adoption services as helpful. Conversely, parents expressed dissatisfaction when information was lacking or withheld, when they had quality concerns with the worker or agency, and when there was a dearth of services and supports following adoption. Implications of these findings include the need for adoption mental health competent training for adoption professionals to better support families preparing for or experiencing adoption.     

Mental health outcomes among child welfare investigated children: In-home versus out-of-home care

BackgroundChild welfare has increasingly focused on alternatives to out-of-home (OOH) placement. In-home services, such as parent training, have increased and more maltreated children remain in-home. Yet, little is known about the effect on mental health of maintaining vulnerable children in-home vs placement in stable OOH care.ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare difference in mental health among children investigated by child welfare and who remained in-home vs. those who were placed in stable OOH care.Design/methodsWe examined a cohort of children (aged 1.5–18 years) from a nationally representative sample of children investigated by child welfare using the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II (NSCAW II). We compared changes in mental health functioning over 18 months for children who remained in-home with parent training versus those placed in stable OOH care.ResultsAmong the 749 children in our sample, baseline characteristics of children who remained in-home with parent training and those placed in stable OOH care were similar. Among school-aged children placed in stable OOH care, mental health problems decreased from 26% to 13% (p = .003). This differed significantly from school-aged children who remained in home, for whom mental health problems increased (50% decrease stable OOH care vs. 23% increase in home; p = .007). Among pre-school aged children, mental health problems increased in both settings, particularly stable out-of-home care (p = .008).ConclusionsFor school aged children with a history of maltreatment, mental health outcomes improve following stable OOH placement, yet worsen when remaining in-home with parents. Pediatricians should be watchful for mental health problems among children who remain home after maltreatment and should advocate for high-quality stable OOH care when it is necessary. Child welfare may need to monitor the outcomes of children remaining at home more closely and provide more intensive preventive and treatment services to families.