Title

Initial Implementation Indicators From a Statewide Rollout of SafeCare Within a Child Welfare System

Date

2012

Author(s)

Daniel J. Whitaker, Kerry A. Ryan, Robert C. Wild, Shannon Self-Brown, John R. Lutzker, Jenelle R. Shanley, Anna M. Edwards, Erin A. McFry, Colby N. Moseley, and Amanda E. Hodges

Brief Type

Journal Publication

Model(s)

  • SafeCare/SafeCare Augmented

Description

There is a strong movement toward implementation of evidence-based practices (EBP) in child welfare systems. The SafeCare parenting model is one of few parent-training models that addresses child neglect, the most common form of maltreatment. Here, the authors describe initial findings from a statewide effort to implement the EBP, SafeCare, into a state child welfare system. A total of 50 agencies participated in training, with 295 individuals entering training to implement SafeCare. Analyses were conducted to describe the trainee sample, describe initial training and implementation indicators, and to examine correlates of initial training performance and implementation indicators. The quality of SafeCare uptake during training and implementation was high with trainees performing very well on training quizzes and role-plays, and demonstrating high fidelity when implementing SafeCare in the field (performing over 90% of expected behaviors). However, the quantity of implementation was generally low, with relatively few providers (only about 25%) implementing the model following workshop training. There were no significant predictors of training or implementation performance, once corrections for multiple comparisons were applied. The Discussion focuses on challenges to large-scale system-wide implementation of EBP. (author abstract)

Data Collection Methods

  • Fidelity observations
  • Standardized assessment tools
  • Surveys or questionnaires

Status

Finished

For More Information

Whitaker, D. J., Ryan, K. A., Wild, R. C., Self-Brown, S., Lutzker, J. R., Shanley, J. R., . . . Hodges, A. E. (2012). Initial implementation indicators from a statewide rollout of SafeCare within a child welfare system. Child Maltreatment, 17(1), 96-101. doi: 10.1177/1077559511430722
Author Contact Information:
Daniel J. Whitaker
dwhitaker@gsu.edu

Topics

  • Home Visiting Workforce Characteristics and Workforce Development
  • Program Quality, Continuous Quality Improvement, and Fidelity