Decreasing the Risk of Maltreatment for Children Experiencing Homelessness: An Evaluation of Triple P Discussion Groups

• In Event: 1-124 - Responding to family homelessness: Efforts to protect development and promote resilience in early childhood

Integrative Statement

This study was designed to examine the effectiveness of an evidence-based positive parenting program—Triple P—in a shelter setting for families experiencing homelessness. A significant evidence base supports the effectiveness of Triple P Discussion Groups (Sanders, Kirby, Tellegen, & Day, 2014) but the intervention had never been evaluated in a shelter setting where there is a critical need for evidence-based parenting programs (Cutuli & Herbers, 2014; Haskett, Loehman, & Burkhart, 2014). Using a within-group pre- and post-intervention with 3-month follow-up design, 39 mothers residing in a shelter with a child ages 2 to 6 years participated in the study. Parents completed the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI; Eyberg & Ross, 1978) and Parenting Scale (PS; Arnold, O’Leary, Wolff & Acker, 1993) to assess for child problem behaviors and self-reported parenting practices at each time point. Parents completed the Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory (BCAP; Ondersma, Chaffin, Mullins, & LeBreton, 2005) to directly assess child abuse risk at each time point. Additionally, parents completed satisfaction questionnaires immediately following the group and again at post-intervention to assess parent perceptions and satisfaction with the program. Program fidelity was assessed via Triple P fidelity checklist completed by the provider and second rater. Results from a RM-MANOVA showed significant decreases in dysfunctional parenting practices and child problem behaviors across time but no change in the direct assessment of child maltreatment risk as measured by the Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory. Also, parents rated their satisfaction with the program very high immediately after the group and again three weeks later. Finally, fidelity to the model was assessed by both raters at 100% for each group but areas where “flexibility within fidelity” aided participation from this vulnerable population are highlighted. Results suggest Triple P Discussion Group is an acceptable and possibly effective intervention for this vulnerable population. This is the first study known to this author that evaluated the effectiveness of Triple P with a sample of families experiencing homelessness.

Authors

• Jenna Montgomery Armstrong, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
  Presenting Author

• Mary E. Haskett, North Carolina State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Caitlyn R. Owens, North Carolina State University
  Non-Presenting Author