Research on Social Work Practice, 15(6), November 2005, pp.501-515.
Publisher:
Sage
This study evaluated an adapted version of a group-based manualized parent education curriculum applied to meet the parenting needs of high-risk African American families rearing children with developmental delays. Eligibility criteria for participation required that the parenting adult had at least one child with developmental delay resulting in the receipt of special education services; live in a area known for urban poverty and have voiced concerns with their own or close family members' struggles with substance abuse. Three successive cohorts were assessed for statistical equivalence and evaluated using a one group pre- and postdesign followed by a booster session. Dependent variables used self-reports of caregivers’ empowerment, emotional outlook, parent-child interaction, and community involvement. All outcomes evidenced statistically significant and practically meaningful positive trends subject to design limitations. It is concluded that the adaptations met the program needs of targeted participants. Future recommendations are discussed.
This study evaluated an adapted version of a group-based manualized parent education curriculum applied to meet the parenting needs of high-risk African American families rearing children with developmental delays. Eligibility criteria for participation required that the parenting adult had at least one child with developmental delay resulting in the receipt of special education services; live in a area known for urban poverty and have voiced concerns with their own or close family members' struggles with substance abuse. Three successive cohorts were assessed for statistical equivalence and evaluated using a one group pre- and postdesign followed by a booster session. Dependent variables used self-reports of caregivers’ empowerment, emotional outlook, parent-child interaction, and community involvement. All outcomes evidenced statistically significant and practically meaningful positive trends subject to design limitations. It is concluded that the adaptations met the program needs of targeted participants. Future recommendations are discussed.