Results of a National Longitudinal Study of Early Head Start Program Impacts on Child Abuse Prevention

• In Event: 2-046 - Relationship of Child Outcomes to Child Maltreatment Types, Social Networks, and Early Head Start Programming

Integrative Statement

Introduction. While many early childhood prevention programs have documented early impacts on key outcomes such as parenting and child development, few studies have examined whether and how these early interventions create long-term change. This study examined the effectiveness of the Early Head Start (EHS) program in preventing child maltreatment from birth to age 15. EHS is a widely implemented program providing supports to low income families with children ages birth-3 years of age. The paper addresses two questions: (1) Does EHS reduce rates of reported child maltreatment? (2) What are the key pathways that lead to reductions?

Sample. 2794 children were randomly assigned to EHS or a control group in 16 EHS programs included in the National Early Head Start National Research Project (1996-1998).

Methods. State child welfare agencies provided information about child welfare reports from birth to age 15 for study children. This information was matched to EHS outcomes collected at age 14, 24, and 36 months through parent interviews, direct child assessments, and observations of parent-child interactions.

Results. Impact analyses used binomial logistic regression analyses; mediational models used structural equations modeling (MPlus). Mediators were tested that showed program impacts at age 2 or age 3. While there were no overall impact effects on maltreatment, results (Tables 1 and 2) found signifcant program-mediated effects. EHS participation reduced the likelihood of child maltreatment after childrens’ 2nd and 3rd birthday by reducing parent distress, reducing family conflict, improving child cognitive development, and improving parents’ emotional responsivity.

Discussion. The EHS program had a positive impact on preventing child welfare involvement in children’s lives. Critical early outcomes responsible for reducing child maltreatment included parenting, child, and family factors. Implications for strengthening program approaches to more effectively address these key mechanisms will be discussed.

 

Authors

• Beth Green, Portland State University
  Presenting Author

• Carrie Furrer, Portland State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Adam VonEnde, Brazelton Touchpoints Center
  Non-Presenting Author