Promoting first relationships: randomized trial of a relationship-based intervention for toddlers in child welfare

Child Maltreat. 2012 Nov;17(4):271-86. doi: 10.1177/1077559512458176. Epub 2012 Sep 4.

Abstract

We conducted a community-based, randomized control trial with intent-to-treat analyses of Promoting First Relationships (PFR) to improve parenting and toddler outcomes for toddlers in state dependency. Toddlers (10-24 months; N = 210) with a recent placement disruption were randomized to 10-week PFR or a comparison condition. Community agency providers were trained to use PFR in the intervention for caregivers. From baseline to postintervention, observational ratings of caregiver sensitivity improved more in the PFR condition than in the comparison condition, with an effect size for the difference in adjusted means postintervention of d = .41. Caregiver understanding of toddlers' social emotional needs and caregiver reports of child competence also differed by intervention condition postintervention (d = .36 and d = .42) with caregivers in the PFR condition reporting more understanding of toddlers and child competence. Models of PFR effects on within-individual change were significant for caregiver sensitivity and understanding of toddlers. At the 6-month follow-up, only 61% of original sample dyads were still intact and there were no significant differences on caregiver or child outcomes.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Caregivers / statistics & numerical data
  • Child Behavior / psychology*
  • Child Health Services / organization & administration
  • Child Welfare / psychology*
  • Child Welfare / statistics & numerical data
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Object Attachment*
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parenting