Can we measure risk in home visitation? An examination of the predictive validity of the Healthy Families Parenting Inventory (HFPI). (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, Cara; LeCroy, Craig
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 139(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Child welfare -- Home visitation -- Child abuse and neglect -- Assessment -- Measurement; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106571
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Highlights: Empirical validation of outcome instruments developed for use in early childhood home visitation to predict a family's risk for future maltreatment provides an untapped opportunity to support home visitors. Several dimensions of the HFPI that were designed to assess program outcomes represent some of the same factors that are associated with risk. The validation of the HFPI presents an opportunity for prevention and community-based programs to use an instrument like the HFPI as a measure of program success related to reduction in risk for child maltreatment. Abstract: Objective: The current study examined the validity of the Healthy Families Parenting Inventory (HFPI) to predict future risk of child abuse and neglect. Method: Participants in the study were 2, 088 parents participating in a single statewide home visitation program. Most parents were low-income mothers with a variety of socio-demographic risk indicators. Participants were administered the HFPI at program enrollment, then followed through administrative data for approximately one year for future official maltreatment reports. Results: Pre-intervention HFPI composite and subscale scores demonstrated incremental predictive validity of a future official maltreatment report. Conclusions: The HFPI can be used successfully during home visitation at the time of program initiation to suggest needs and services that reduce the likelihood child maltreatment, and aid in the prediction of future child abuse and neglect.