Evaluating the Outcomes of Family-Based Intervention for Troubled Children: A Pretest-Posttest Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 12-week family-based intervention for troubled children. One important element was to strengthen families. Method: Psychological, social, and demographic data on 176 parents and 160 children receiving weekly skills and relationship training were analyzed. Results: Significant improvements were found for family cohesion, family conflict, family time together, time spent in community, mental health of parents, and parenting style. Furthermore, significantly positive gains were found on the total and most subscale scores of the Child Behavior Checklist. Conclusions: Family-based intervention provided by social workers were associated with improved psychosocial functioning on the part of parents and children with child behavioral problems.