Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
07:56

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure

Published on: September 19, 2019

Assessing the cost-effectiveness of Family Connections

Diane DePanfilis1, Howard Dubowitz, James Kunz

  • 1University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Child Abuse & Neglect
|April 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The 3-month Family Connections (FC) program is more cost-effective for improving child safety and reducing neglect risk. However, the 9-month FC intervention is more cost-effective for improving child behavior. These findings aid decisions on optimal program length.

Area of Science:

  • Child Welfare Research
  • Public Health Interventions
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Child neglect prevention programs aim to improve child safety and family well-being.
  • Family Connections (FC) is a program designed to mitigate risks associated with child neglect.
  • Determining the optimal duration of intervention is crucial for resource allocation and program effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 3-month versus 9-month Family Connections (FC) interventions.
  • To compare the impact of different intervention lengths on risk and protective factors.
  • To assess the influence of intervention duration on child safety and behavioral outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial comparing 3-month and 9-month FC interventions.
  • Data collection included child protective services reports, self-reports, and observational measures.
  • Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted based on intervention duration and reported outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The 3-month FC intervention demonstrated greater cost-effectiveness in enhancing protective factors and child safety.
  • The 9-month FC intervention was more cost-effective in improving child behavior outcomes.
  • Cost-effectiveness ratios indicated differential benefits based on intervention length and outcome measure.

Conclusions:

  • Both 3-month and 9-month FC interventions show varying cost-effectiveness depending on the targeted outcomes.
  • Findings suggest that intervention duration should be tailored to specific goals, such as risk reduction or behavioral improvement.
  • Further cost analyses in diverse settings are needed to inform practice regarding service delivery timing.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community08:53

Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community

Published on: May 31, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Family Therapy01:30

Family Therapy

Family therapy conceptualizes psychological challenges as arising from dysfunctional interactions within the family unit, rather than as isolated issues within individuals. This approach seeks to address and transform the patterns of communication, roles, and relationships within families to promote healthier dynamics and emotional well-being for all members.
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings01:29

Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings

Other adult family members and siblings play a crucial role in shaping children’s social and emotional development. While parents or primary caregivers are often the central figures in early attachment and socialization, other adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can significantly influence developmental outcomes. These influences depend on each adult’s personality and may help compensate when a primary caregiver is emotionally distant or inconsistent. For...
Social Exchange Theory01:26

Social Exchange Theory

As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...
Social Exchange Theory02:06

Social Exchange Theory

We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
Community Based Intervention01:30

Community Based Intervention

Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Social Relationships and Well-Being01:30

Social Relationships and Well-Being

The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...