The Strengthening Families Programme in Spain: a long-term evaluation
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to first assess the long-term effects of the adaptation of the American Strengthening Families Programme in Spain (known as the Programa de Competencia Familiar, translated into English as the Family Competence Programme (FCP)). The second aim is to identify family typologies and family changes regarding family competence over time. The paper’s initial hypothesis is that families have different behaviours and take advantage of the FCP in different ways.
Design/methodology/approach
Monitored applications of the FCP were conducted using a quasi-experimental design consisting of a control group and pre-test, post-test and two-year follow-up assessments. The sample was made up of 136 families who took part in the programme and another 18 who participated in the control groups. Validated instruments were applied to assess the methodological processes and the family assessments. A cluster analysis was undertaken to identify different family typologies and their evolution in relation to the FCP goals.
Findings
The FCP shows effective and consistent results over time for families in a variety of difficult situations, with important result maintenance. The longitudinal analysis (i.e. the two-year follow-up) demonstrates that the majority of changes identified (using the factors under consideration) maintained their relevance for most of the families, producing positive change.
Originality/value
There is little long-term evaluation or longitudinal analysis of family prevention programmes that are evidence-based and include cognitive-emotional content. This paper analyses the long-term evaluation of family prevention programmes and identifies the ways in which families change over time.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work is one of the results of the following Spanish Government Research Projects: EDU2010-20336: “Long-term evaluation of a programme for prevention of behavioural problems and drug consumption: The Family Competence Programme” and EDU2013-42412-R “Cultural adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program 12-16. Proposal of evidence-based family education for families at risk”. This work is also funded by the call for support for competitive research groups, resolution of the Regional Ministry of Education, culture and universities (Balearic Government, Spain), 16 December 2011. BOIB, 3, 7 January 2012 and with co-funding from FEDER funds.
Citation
Orte, C., Ballester, L., March, M.X., Amer, J., Vives, M. and Pozo, R. (2015), "The Strengthening Families Programme in Spain: a long-term evaluation", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 101-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-03-2013-0010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
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