Adapting a parenting intervention for parents aging out of the child welfare system: A systematic approach to expand the reach of an evidence-based intervention

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2018;88(3):386-398. doi: 10.1037/ort0000308. Epub 2018 Jan 18.

Abstract

Parents aging out of the child welfare system face a constellation of unique risk factors that threaten the well-being of themselves and their children. Although parenting interventions are an important resource for providing much-needed services to parents aging out, there is currently a lack of evidence-based parenting interventions that address the unique needs of this population. The purpose of this project was to systematically adapt an evidence-based parenting intervention for parents aging out. An established adaptation framework was used to guide this process, and acceptability and feasibility outcomes were evaluated as part of a pilot study of the adapted intervention. Preliminary intervention adaptations included modifications to program delivery and program content. Study findings indicated a high level of parent satisfaction with the adapted intervention but challenges to feasibility because of inconsistent attendance and the substantial effort required for intervention delivery. This study constitutes a critical first step toward increasing the reach of evidence-based parenting interventions among parents aging out of the child welfare system and underscores the need for continued efforts to develop sustainable and effective parenting services for this at-risk population. (PsycINFO Database Record

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Welfare
  • Child, Preschool
  • Education, Nonprofessional / methods*
  • Evidence-Based Practice / methods*
  • Female
  • Florida
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Mothers* / education
  • Parenting*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Social Welfare*
  • Transition to Adult Care*
  • Young Adult