Articles

A review of the literature on the prevention of child abuse and neglect: characteristics and effectiveness of home visiting programs

Authors

  • Marie-Ève Clément University of Quebec, Hull, Canada
  • Marc Tourigny University of Quebec, Hull, Canada

Abstract

This paper presents the nature and effectiveness of home visiting programs aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect. Twenty-seven North American studies published since 1980 were reviewed. Home visiting programs were found to be oriented towards families considered at risk for child maltreatment. Program goals were commonly geared towards infant development, parental characteristics, parent-infant interactions and social support. The majority of programs reviewed offered services beginning in the early postpartum period, lasted between 3 and 12 months, and employed professionals such as nurses and social workers. This review revealed that 63% of programs showed a significant impact in reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect. Other significant positive results included a wider social support network, as well as improvements in home environment, parent-infant interactions, mothers attitudes and expectation of child development, and infant mental development. Some characteristics were also found to be related to programs effectiveness such as the early introduction of a home visitor and the frequency of the services aimed towards at-risk families. These results are discussed in terms of recommendations for future research and practice.

Author Biographies

Marie-Ève Clément, University of Quebec, Hull, Canada

Department of Psychoeducation at the University of Quebec in Hull, Canada.

Marc Tourigny, University of Quebec, Hull, Canada

Department of Psychoeducation at the University of Quebec in Hull, Canada.

Published

1997-03-01

Issue

Section

Articles