Disseminating the SafeCare parenting program to prevent child maltreatment

This workshop will provide an overview of the SafeCare® model, an evidence-based behavioral parenting model used for preventing child neglect and physical abuse. The presentation will: (1) describing the SafeCare model how... [ view full abstract ]

This workshop will provide an overview of the SafeCare® model, an evidence-based behavioral parenting model used for preventing child neglect and physical abuse. The presentation will: (1) describing the SafeCare model how providers use SafeCare to teach parents new skills, (2) describe the rigorous implementation processes used to disseminate SafeCare, and (3) describe technology-based innovations for dissemination and implementation.  

SafeCare is an 18-session in-home parenting curriculum focusing on positive parenting, home safety, and child health. Through behavioral techniques, trained providers teach parents (1) skills to interact more positively with their children and structure day to day activities, (2) supervise young children and keep their home free of safety hazards, and (3) care for sick or injured children. SafeCare uses behavioral techniques including skill practice, behavioral observation, and over- training to mastery to ensure skill acquisition. Rigorous research has shown that SafeCare influences parent engagement and program retention, acquisition of positive parenting skills, and most importantly, recidivism of child welfare reports. 

The National SafeCare Training and Research Center (NSTRC) disseminates SafeCare.  SafeCare has been implemented in in 23 states, and 6 non-U.S. countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, and Australia. All SafeCare implementations includes preparation and readiness, skills-based workshop training, and ongoing in-field coaching to ensure model fidelity. Adaptations to SafeCare for new cultural contexts are made prior to training and as needed via on-going coaching. Trainer training allows sites to sustain and expand SafeCare on their own without incurring additional training costs.  

NSTRC has developed several technology innovations to facilitate trainer of providers and parents, and these will be demonstrated. This includes a tablet-based program that provider use to implement SafeCare, and an app that allows provider to collect data to track client progress, while programs can track outcomes across families.