Understanding Patterns of Service Delivery and Participation in Community-Based Family Support Programs

Abstract

Although service provision models that emphasize individualization of services and family-centered decision making have been widely adopted by a variety of programs for children and families, to date there is little evidence that service provision has changed to reflect these program philosophies. In this study, data collected by staff at 3 community-based family support centers were used to demonstrate an approach to documenting the extent of family-centered practice. Two primary research questions were addressed. First, what evidence is there that program services were delivered in ways consistent with family-centered program philosophies? Second, are there family demographic or psychosocial characteristics that can predict the amount, type, and intensity of service involvement in such voluntary services? Results indicate that although families utilized a wide array of services, there is little evidence that services were provided based on individualized needs of families. However, families who were categorized as being at high risk for negative child outcomes tended to receive more services of all types, more intensive services, and remained in the programs longer compared to low-risk families.

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