TALKline: An Evaluation of a Call-In Telephone Service for Parents

Abstract

A study of a call-in telephone service providing developmental guidance, referral, and general information to any parent with a concern about a young child indicated a continuous increase in use of the service, which is reaching the target group but not all segments of it. The concerns most frequently expressed by callers were related to negative behavior, development, toileting, sleeping, and sibling/peer interactions. Most of the callers interviewed at follow-up expressed positive views of the service and reported a high degree of compliance with staff recommendations.