Leckey, Yvonne and Stokes, Ann and Hickey, Gráinne and McGilloway, Sinéad (2022) Engagement with a Multi-Component, Preventative Program to Reduce Child Maltreatment: Program Satisfaction and Acceptability. Clinical Social Work Journal, 50 (4). pp. 358-376. ISSN 0091-1674

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Abstract

The development and implementation of interventions to prevent child maltreatment (CM) is particularly challenging in view of the numerous stressors experienced by families within the child welfare system (CWS). Difficulties engaging families, particularly those who are most vulnerable, can lead to lower program dose and poorer outcomes. This qualitative study, conducted as part of a larger process evaluation, explored participant perspectives of a newly developed, multi-component, community-based intervention designed to reduce the risk of CM in families with young children. The study involved one-to-one interviews with a sub-sample of mothers (n=12) recruited through statutory and community-based social work services. Several brief program satisfaction questionnaires were also completed by parents. Mothers reported a stronger parent–child bond and greater use of positive parenting strategies (e.g. improved communication and discipline strategies) following the intervention. Facilitator and group support emerged as strong themes throughout the interviews and were important factors in facilitating engagement and reducing drop-out. High levels of program satisfaction were also reported. The study findings demonstrate how a multi-component program, which combines an evidence-based treatment (EBT) with community-based supports, may offer a promising approach for social work practitioners in reducing CM and in better meeting the more complex needs of families within the CWS. However, a more thorough understanding of the factors which promote program engagement and retention, is crucial to maximizing the benefits of interventions designed to support more vulnerable families.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Cite as: Leckey, Y., Stokes, A., Hickey, G. and McGilloway, S., 2022. Engagement with a multi-component, preventative program to reduce child maltreatment: Program satisfaction and acceptability. Clinical Social Work Journal, 50(4), pp.358-376.
Keywords:	Child maltreatment; Child welfare services; Evidence-based treatment; Parent perspectives; Program engagement and retention
Academic Unit:	Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Institutes > Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute, MUSSI
Item ID:	16790
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-021-00789-w
Depositing User:	Dr. Sinéad McGilloway
Date Deposited:	20 Dec 2022 14:23
Journal or Publication Title:	Clinical Social Work Journal
Publisher:	link Springer
Refereed:	Yes
URI:
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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