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Peer-led Support Groups for Parents Following Child Removal: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation Study.
Linda M Callejas1, Connie Walker-Egea1, Svetlana Yampolskaya1
1Department of Child & Family Studies, College of Behavioral & Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Evaluation Review
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Peer-led parent support groups in child welfare show promise. These groups reduced depression, trauma, and loneliness while increasing emotional support for parents aiming for reunification.
Area of Science:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Parent support groups are emerging in child welfare systems, but evidence is limited.
- Evaluating these programs requires flexible, context-specific designs to capture outcomes and change mechanisms.
- Understanding peer-led models is crucial for effective implementation and evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the operational dynamics and benefits of a peer-led support group for parents in the child welfare system.
- To assess the impact of the support group on parents working towards child reunification.
- To develop a conceptual framework for peer-led support group functions and benefits.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory mixed-methods evaluation was conducted.
- 22 parents participated in weekly peer-led support group sessions.
- Quantitative assessments and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data.
Main Results:
- Participants showed significant decreases in depression, trauma, and loneliness.
- Perceived emotional support among participants significantly increased.
- Thematic analysis identified key themes related to group processes and benefits.
Conclusions:
- Mixed-methods approaches can provide actionable evidence for small-scale community interventions.
- Peer-led support groups offer valuable psychosocial benefits for parents in child welfare.
- Findings inform future implementation and evaluation of similar peer-led models.
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