Economic evaluation in family preservation services. A comparative cost-consequences approach on three Spanish programs

In the last few years the emphasis on implementing evidence-based practices has been seeing great gains in impact (Spiel, 2009), and positive parenting movement has been permeated by this concern (e.g., EJDP special issue 1,... [ view full abstract ]

In the last few years the emphasis on implementing evidence-based practices has been seeing great gains in impact (Spiel, 2009), and positive parenting movement has been permeated by this concern (e.g., EJDP special issue 1, 2012). As a consequence, researchers include standards of evaluation in order to assist practitioners and policy makers to determine which parent education programs are effective (Flay et al., 2005) and, consequently, where scarce financial and human resources should be focused. Apart from effectiveness evaluations and despite methodological guidance available, just a few programs in child welfare system have followed economic evaluations (Goldhaber-Fiebert et al., 2011). In this poster three programs implemented in family preservation services in Spain are compared: a child-, a parent- and a family-based program for families at psychosocial risk. A comparative cost-consequences approach is followed, presenting information about equipment, materials, and personnel. Results from this analysis showed that state agencies support costs for these programs, and the efficiency of these resources is highlighted. Differences on personnel costs are discussed and consequences for practice are offered.