Topic: Home Visiting Programs for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
Definition for Home Visiting Programs for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect:
Home Visiting Programs for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect are defined by the CEBC as any home visiting program with a goal of preventing abuse or neglect or intervening with families at high risk of abuse and neglect. Home visiting is a mechanism to provide direct support and coordination of services for families which involves direct services to the family in the home setting. While services can also be received elsewhere, the home is the primary service delivery setting. Programs vary, but components may include 1) education in effective parenting and childcare techniques; 2) education on child development, health, safety, and nutrition; 3) assistance in gaining access to social support networks; and 4) assistance in obtaining education, employment, and access to community services.
- Target population: Parents and their children; services can begin prior to birth while the mother is pregnant
- Services/types that fit: Home-based services with an individual or family focus that include assessment, case planning, case management, education, and/or skill building
- Delivered by: Child welfare staff, nurse, or trained paraprofessional
- In order to be included: Home visiting program must specifically target the prevention of child abuse and/or neglect as a goal
- In order to be rated: There must be research evidence (as specified by Scientific Rating Scale) that examines outcomes directly related to the prevention of child abuse and/or neglect, such as administrative data on child welfare reports or re-reports or self-report of abuse or neglect behaviors through a standardized measure
Programs in this Topic Area
The programs listed below have been reviewed by the CEBC and, if appropriate, been rated using the Scientific Rating Scale.
Topic Expert
Neil Guterman, PhD, Dean & Mose and Sylvia Firestone Professor
School of Social Service Administration
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL