Randomized Trial of Telehealth Project Support for Families With Children Aged 6 to 13 on Trauma Services Waitlist

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating Project Support, a telehealth program designed to help caregivers improve parenting skills and support children who have experienced violence or maltreatment. This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing Project Support to usual case management services among families with children aged 6 to 13 who are on a waitlist for trauma-focused services. The goal is to assess the programs effects on caregiver emotional support, parenting confidence, and family distress. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups the Project Support group or the treatment as usual group. Those in the Project Support group will receive up to four 60-minute individual counseling sessions delivered via telehealth, focusing on teaching caregivers skills to listen to and comfort their child through role-play and feedback. The treatment as usual group will receive tailored case management services, which may include referrals for financial aid, legal assistance, or other support as needed. Both groups complete baseline and post-test assessments, with the post-test occurring 4 to 6 weeks after baseline and before the start of trauma-focused services. During the study, families will complete assessments of parenting behaviors, mental health symptoms, and service satisfaction at baseline and post-test. Researchers will measure outcomes such as parenting self-efficacy, supportive parenting, child psychological distress, and child self-blame appraisals. Attendance at trauma-focused treatment intake sessions will also be tracked up to four months after the post-test. The trial lasts until March 2028 and is sponsored by the Medical University of South Carolina.

Examining Whether Project Support Works