Implementing SafeCare® to address child neglect and physical abuse – What role do child welfare practitioners play in the successful implementation of an evidence-based child neglect program?

Objectives: In Ontario (Canada), neglect is a major concern in child welfare as it has a high incidence rate, compared with other maltreatment types. This study examines the implementation within six Ontario child welfare... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives: In Ontario (Canada), neglect is a major concern in child welfare as it has a high incidence rate, compared with other maltreatment types. This study examines the implementation within six Ontario child welfare agencies of an evidence-based intervention (SafeCare®) for concerns related primarily to neglect. We focus on the attitudes and experiences of SafeCare® trained practitioners as they are pivotal to its successful implementation.

Method: Our mixed-methods approach includes questionnaires and focus groups. Practitioners (n=30) answered questions on their training background and completed standardized measures on their attitudes toward evidence-based practice and on agency-level variables (e.g., support for innovation/change). These measures were completed prior to SafeCare® training and 1.5 years into its implementation. We are also conducting focus groups with practitioners on challenges and positive experiences with SafeCare® and on suggestions for agency sustainability. Focus group discussions will be audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using the QDA Miner statistical package.
Results: Preliminary findings indicate that, prior to SafeCare® training, attitudes toward evidence-based practice were in the mid- to upper range (M=3.40, SD=.41, possible range 0-4). Practitioners’ perceptions of their agency’s support for innovation/change was in the average range (M=14.58, SD=1.07, possible range 5-25). Greater perception of agency support for innovation was positively correlated with more favourable attitudes toward evidence-based practice. The next step is to examine scores over time to assess potential changes in attitudes around evidence-based practice following SafeCare® implementation. We will also link changes in scores to practitioners’ training background and to their proficiency with SafeCare® (e.g., number of completed families).

Conclusions: The quantitative and qualitative data will be important for purposes of refining SafeCare®’s implementation and better ensuring its sustainability within Ontario child welfare. The data will provide information on both practitioner- and agency-level variables that play a role in successful program implementation and sustainability.