Healthy Families New York Randomized Trial: Impacts on Early Child Abuse and Neglect

Authors

Kimberly DuMont, University at Albany, State University of New York
Susan Mitchell-Herzfeld, University at Albany, State University of New York
Rose Greene, University at Albany, State University of New York
Eunju Lee, University at Albany, State University of New York
Ann Lowenfels, University at Albany, State University of New York
Monica Rodriguez, University at Albany, State University of New York
Vajeera Dorabawila, University at Albany, State University of New York

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2008

DOI

10.1016/j.chiabu.2007.07.007

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a home visiting program modeled after Healthy Families America on parenting behaviors in the first 2 years of life.

Methods: A sample of 1173 families at risk for child abuse and neglect who met the criteria for Healthy Families New York (HFNY) was randomly assigned to either an intervention group that was offered HFNY or a control group that was given information and referrals to other services. Data were collected through a review of CPS records, and maternal interviews at baseline and the child's first birthday (90% re-interviewed) and second birthday (85% re-interviewed).

Results: HFNY mothers reported committing one-quarter as many acts of serious abuse at age 2 as control mothers (.01 versus .04, p

Conclusions: These findings suggest that who is offered home visitation may be an important factor in explaining the differential effectiveness of home visitation programs. Improved effects may be realized by prioritizing the populations served or by enhancing the model to meet program objectives for hard-to-serve families.

Recommended Citation

DuMont, K., Mitchell-Herzfeld, S., Greene, R., Lee, E., Lowenfels, A., Rodriguez, M., & Dorabawila, V. (2008). Healthy Families New York (HFNY) randomized trial: Effects on early child abuse and neglect. Child Abuse & Neglect, 32(3), 295–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2007.07.007