Comparing Home-Based and Telehealth Parenting Support for Families in Child Welfare with Children Aged 6 to 12 Months

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the Promoting First Relationships PFR program delivered through home visits PFR-HV versus telehealth PFR-T and usual care for parents of children aged 6 to 12 months involved in the child welfare system. This trial aims to determine which approach better improves parent sensitivity, knowledge of child social and emotional development, reduces child behavior problems, and prevents foster care placement. They also examine technology access and provider adherence for telehealth delivery. The study involves 357 parents randomized into three groups PFR-HV, PFR-T, or control. Both PFR-HV and PFR-T are 10-week parenting programs focusing on videotaped parent-child play and feedback sessions. PFR-HV visits occur in the familys home, while PFR-T sessions are held over Zoom with mailed handouts. The control group receives a resource packet via email without intervention during the study period. Participants complete three virtual research visits over about 12 months, including videotaped interactions and questionnaires on parenting and stress. Researchers assess changes in parent responsiveness and understanding, child behavior, and foster care placements using surveys, observations, and child welfare data up to five years post-intervention. Families receive compensation for visit participation, and the study evaluates service delivery effectiveness, technology barriers, and provider fidelity.

Delivering Evidence-Based Parenting Services to Families in Child Welfare Using Telehealth