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Citation |
Hebbeler KM, Gerlach-Downie SG. Early Child Res. Q. 2002; 17(1): 28-51. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2002, Elsevier Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
A longitudinal qualitative investigation of a home visiting program was conducted to explore why the program was not more effective. The sample included 21 case study families and 9 home visitors, plus 60 other mothers who participated in focus groups. Data from interviews with parents and home visitors, videotapes of home visits, and children's assessments were used to construct and examine a theory of change for the program. The study found that home visits had a consistent structure and that the home visitors emphasized their social support role and placed little emphasis on changing parenting behavior. The discussion suggests that the program's flawed theory of change that minimally acknowledged parent-child interaction limited the program's effectiveness. The findings underscore the need to critically examine the theories that underlie home visiting programs and guide the day-to-day interactions of home visitors. |