| This study endeavored to increase the family preservation field's current knowledge base concerning the efficacy of family preservation services through the examination of the relationship between child, family, treatment contextual variables, and outcomes among 239 families who participated in a family preservation program based on the Homebuilders Model. The research methods employed in this study included pretest and posttest measurements of the identified dependent variables. In addition, multivariate procedures were used to examine the relationship between the number of children living in the home, child age, number of caregivers living in the home, type of alleged abuse, number of service days, number of service hours, number of identified problems, family functioning outcomes, and goal attainment outcomes. Furthermore, this study assessed the sustainability of goal attainment outcomes 30 and 90 days after the termination of services. In summary, the findings of this study reinforced the importance of family preservation services as an essential component within the child welfare continuum. Although the results of this study did not confirm the expected relationship between the independent and dependent variables, this study did lend credence for further examination of Homebuilder services. Specifically, a more thorough understanding of the treatment, family, and child contextual variables affecting the outcomes of family preservation services is warranted, for this knowledge would facilitate accurate and comprehensive assessment, selection, and treatment procedures. |
