The comparative benefits of three types of respite programs to prevent child maltreatment

Research shows that lack of social support for families struggling to cope with crisis and high levels of stress is a significant factor in child maltreatment. As well, over time a cumulative burden of family problems and... [ view full abstract ]

Research shows that lack of social support for families struggling to cope with crisis and high levels of stress is a significant factor in child maltreatment. As well, over time a cumulative burden of family problems and lack of parental capacities and resources may result in parents being unable to provide the consistent, responsive caregiving that is essential for children’s health and development. It is critical to attend to the needs and capabilities of highly stressed parents and to help buffer children exposed to potentially toxic stress.
Respite support can play a significant role in the prevention of child maltreatment and poor developmental outcomes. The Children’s Cottage offers three different types of respite care programs to vulnerable families: crisis respite (the Crisis Nursery), planned home-based respite (the In-Home Infant Respite Program), and planned community-based respite (the Child Care Respite Program).
This poster presents the comparative benefits of these three respite program modalities. The outcomes were evaluated using pre-test and post-test measures, and the instruments used quantitatively and qualitatively measured parental responses reflecting changes in sense of hope (Herth Hope Index), shift in parental affect (PANAS), level of stress (Parental Stress Rating), child protection from harm and parental coping activities.
Outcome results indicated that all three respite programs had a positive impact on factors that mitigate child maltreatment and support healthy child development, though they differed in population served, purpose and respite modality. Parents receiving respite program support experienced a significant reduction in stress, a positive shift in sense of hope and affect, safety for their child and positive coping strategies.
In conclusion, the outcomes illustrate that vulnerable parents in situations of high stress and crisis have the capacity, upon receiving respite support, to reduce risk factors associated with child maltreatment and poor developmental outcomes and to build protective factors.