Established in 1979, SafeCare is an evidence-based, parent training curriculum for parents who are at-risk or have been reported for maltreatment. Through SafeCare, trained home visitors work with families who have children ages 0-5 in their home environment. SafeCare is well-suited to address child neglect, the most common form of maltreatment. SafeCare typically is provided in weekly home visits that last up to 90 minutes. The duration of the program is typically 15- 20 weeks for each family, and the content for home visiting sessions is delivered in three separate modules. Each module includes a baseline assessment, home-visiting sessions, and a follow-up assessment to monitor changes and progress in parenting skills over the course of the program. Providers also are trained to teach structured problem solving to parents on an as-needed basis.

Collaboration with Casey Family Programs
Casey Family Programs is collaborating with the University of Oklahoma to examine the effectiveness of this model with American Indian families. In addition, Casey Family Programs is exploring the cost and opportunities for funding an independent evaluation of SafeCare using a randomized control group design. While one statewide randomized control group evaluation was performed in Oklahoma, and results currently are being analyzed, classifying a program as effective according to standards of evidence-based science typically requires replication of the research and observed effects. In addition, understanding the target populations SafeCare is most effective with is necessary. Child welfare is in need of a larger menu of evidence-based prevention programs to draw upon to improve outcomes for children and families. Casey Family Programs is exploring ways to contribute to this critical need.