A Methodological Review of SafeCare®

Abstract

Objectives: More than 500,000 children experience neglect each year in the United States, yet few evidence-based parent-training programs focus primarily on preventing and mitigating the risk factors for neglect. A notable exception is SafeCare®. This review focuses on the research designs used at three phases of the SafeCare model: development, evaluation, and dissemination. Methods: Presented in chronological order, the purpose is to highlight the 40-year evidence-base of the SafeCare model and to demonstrate that certain research designs are specific to phases of intervention development. Results: The cumulative evidence from those 40 years for the SafeCare model and its predecessor is powerful. Conclusions: Future research with a variety of experimental designs related to dissemination and implementation research are discussed.