Do Intensive Specialized Services Prevent Family Separation in Parents with Intellectual Disabilities? A Treatment Effects Analysis.

Parents with intellectual disabilities are more likely to have child welfare involvement and experience higher rates of family separation than parents without intellectual disabilities. Despite this, there are few programs designed to meet the needs of this population, and little is known about their efficacy. The current study expands the knowledge base by exploring the effectiveness of Project IMPACT, an intensive, in-home, skills-based positive parenting program designed to prevent out-of-home placement for parents with intellectual disabilities. Families participating in Project IMPACT were compared with families in a similar jurisdiction who participated in non-specialized family preservation services using treatment effects analysis. Findings indicate that Project IMPACT is highly effective at keeping families intact. While Project IMPACT reduces family separation throughout childhood, the most benefits are seen in early childhood, when the risk of family separation is generally the greatest. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that parents with intellectual disability can learn the skills needed to keep their children safe at home. Child welfare organizations should prioritize the development, replication, and evaluation of child welfare interventions, such as Project IMPACT, to address the unique needs of parents with intellectual disabilities.