Promoting First Relationships®: Implementing a Home Visiting Research Program in Two American Indian Communities

Area of Science:

• Early childhood development
• Cultural adaptation of interventions
• Community-based participatory research

Background:

• Home visiting programs for children under three are rarely culturally adapted for American Indian reservation settings.
• The Promoting First Relationships® program was recently adapted for this specific population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To culturally adapt the Promoting First Relationships® program for American Indian communities.
• To maintain program fidelity during the adaptation process.
• To incorporate community input through a participatory approach.

Main Methods:

• A community-based participatory approach was employed, involving university researchers and reservation-based Native project staff.
• Collaborative meetings, conference calls, and focus groups were conducted.
• Input from Native tribal liaisons was elicited to reflect local needs and values.

Main Results:

• Several program adaptations were successfully made based on collaborative input.
• The adapted program incorporated local community needs and cultural values.

Conclusions:

• Close collaboration with onsite Native project staff is crucial for successful adaptation.
• Flexibility, openness to suggestions, and attention to logistical needs are imperative.
• Collaboration ensures that adapted programs respect both American Indian culture and research requirements.