MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    Engagement with a Multi-Component, Preventative Program to Reduce Child Maltreatment: Program Satisfaction and Acceptability


    Leckey, Yvonne, Stokes, Ann, Hickey, Gráinne and McGilloway, Sinéad (2022) Engagement with a Multi-Component, Preventative Program to Reduce Child Maltreatment: Program Satisfaction and Acceptability. Clinical Social Work Journal, 50 (4). pp. 358-376. ISSN 0091-1674

    [thumbnail of SineadMcGillowayEngage2021.pdf]
    Preview
    Text
    SineadMcGillowayEngage2021.pdf

    Download (753kB) | Preview

    Abstract

    The development and implementation of interventions to prevent child maltreatment (CM) is particularly challenging in view of the numerous stressors experienced by families within the child welfare system (CWS). Difficulties engaging families, particularly those who are most vulnerable, can lead to lower program dose and poorer outcomes. This qualitative study, conducted as part of a larger process evaluation, explored participant perspectives of a newly developed, multi-component, community-based intervention designed to reduce the risk of CM in families with young children. The study involved one-to-one interviews with a sub-sample of mothers (n=12) recruited through statutory and community-based social work services. Several brief program satisfaction questionnaires were also completed by parents. Mothers reported a stronger parent–child bond and greater use of positive parenting strategies (e.g. improved communication and discipline strategies) following the intervention. Facilitator and group support emerged as strong themes throughout the interviews and were important factors in facilitating engagement and reducing drop-out. High levels of program satisfaction were also reported. The study findings demonstrate how a multi-component program, which combines an evidence-based treatment (EBT) with community-based supports, may offer a promising approach for social work practitioners in reducing CM and in better meeting the more complex needs of families within the CWS. However, a more thorough understanding of the factors which promote program engagement and retention, is crucial to maximizing the benefits of interventions designed to support more vulnerable families.
    Item Type: Article
    Additional Information: Cite as: Leckey, Y., Stokes, A., Hickey, G. and McGilloway, S., 2022. Engagement with a multi-component, preventative program to reduce child maltreatment: Program satisfaction and acceptability. Clinical Social Work Journal, 50(4), pp.358-376.
    Keywords: Child maltreatment; Child welfare services; Evidence-based treatment; Parent perspectives; Program engagement and retention
    Academic Unit: Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
    Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Institutes > Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute, MUSSI
    Item ID: 16790
    Identification Number: 10.1007/s10615-021-00789-w
    Depositing User: Dr. Sinéad McGilloway
    Date Deposited: 20 Dec 2022 14:23
    Journal or Publication Title: Clinical Social Work Journal
    Publisher: link Springer
    Refereed: Yes
    URI: https://mu.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/16790
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

    Repository Staff Only (login required)

    Item control page
    Item control page

    Downloads

    Downloads per month over past year

    Origin of downloads