The Effectiveness of Aftercare Services for African American Families in an Intensive Family Preservation Program
Research on Social Work Practice, 18 (3):
189-197 (2008)DOI: 10.1177/1049731508314263
Abstract
Objective: This project tested the effectiveness of extended aftercare in an intensive family preservation program for African American families. Method: Service providers collected pretest and posttest data for 49 families who received intensive services only and 69 who received aftercare in addition to intensive services. Results: In the year following termination, nonrelative placements for the entire sample were reduced to 20.3% from 41.5% in the year prior to receiving services ( p < .01). Families receiving aftercare had a postservice placement rate of 13.0% (p < .05). Services were less effective with caregivers with criminal involvement or mental health issues. Discussion: Significant reductions in re-referrals for neglect (p < .01) and improvement in factors contributing to child well-being (p < .01) indicate that child safety was not compromised by providing in-home services as an alternative to placement.