UUnderstanding Program Engagement and Attrition in Child Abuse Prevention

Abstract

Engaging and retaining families is a common challenge when serving families at high risk. McCurdy and Daro’s (2001) Integrated Theory of Parental Involvement (ITPI) proposes factors that impact engagement and retention in services. While several studies have found varying family demographic and risk factors to be associated with family engagement in home-based services, (withheld citation for purpose of review) identified program and provider characteristics that predicted engagement and retention (withheld citation for purpose of review). Specifically, SafeCare (SC) had greater enrollment (4 times) and retention (8.5 times) rates than services as usual (SAU), likely due to SC’s skill-based approach targeting desired topics. As a follow-up to this quantitative study, we conducted separate focus groups with parents who engaged and who failed to engage in SC (N= 16) and SAU (N=18). Provider characteristics (e.g., caring, experienced with children, nonjudgmental) was the strongest themes for engagement across groups. Program and provider flexibility and providers’ persistent support for parents despite life chaos facilitated retention. Results suggest that provider characteristics and program approach are key in engagement of families in home-based services. These results suggest expansion of the ITPI to address social context. Results suggestfocusing on specific provider characteristics and program approach for work force and program development to increase program engagement and decrease attrition.