Technology-Based Innovations in Child Maltreatment Prevention Programs: Examples from SafeCare®

Area of Science:

• Child development
• Public health
• Behavioral science

Background:

• Child maltreatment affects hundreds of thousands of U.S. children annually.
• Behavioral, skill-based parent training programs are recommended for prevention.
• Innovative technology can enhance these programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the history of technology integration in the SafeCare program.
• To highlight a current technology-based hybrid approach to SafeCare delivery.
• To discuss future technology enhancements for SafeCare.

Main Methods:

• Review of technology use in SafeCare over time.
• Description of a hybrid approach using tablet-based software for psychoeducation and skill modeling.
• Parent-provider practice sessions to achieve skill mastery.

Main Results:

• Initial findings suggest technology enhances parent engagement.
• The hybrid approach shows potential for improving positive parenting skills.
• Technology integration may increase ease of implementation for providers.

Conclusions:

• Technology-based hybrid approaches show promise for improving parent training.
• Further research and development in technology enhancements for SafeCare are warranted.
• Technology integration can support the prevention of child abuse and neglect.