Child emotional and behavioural difficulties and parental anxiety Mental and Behavioural Disorders Behavioural difficulties
Conditions
Interventions
The SFFC intervention provides support for families who are going through crises. It is a faith-based charity that aims to keep the family together and to reduce the number of children coming into ca
Sponsors
Dartington Social Research Unit
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. At least one of the referred children within a family is aged 10 years or under (child outcome data will be collected for children aged 2 or above as per the validation of the outcome measure) 2. The referred children would be accommodated under Section 20 of The Children Act (1989) if not placed with a SFFC host family (voluntary arrangement) 3. The lead parent/carer contact has parental responsibility for the child(ren) 4. The referred children are perceived to be in need of less than 14 nights care
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. It is reported by the referring local authority social worker that it would be unsafe for SFFC staff or volunteers to regularly visit the family home 2. It is reported by the referring local authority social worker that any family members (including children) would put SFFC staff or volunteers at risk
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The study will primarily measure changes in children’s behaviour and emotional functioning and parental anxiety, both from the parents’ perspective (co-primary outcomes). These measures will be administered at baseline, then at follow-up c.8 weeks after randomisation. 1. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire- parent report (SDQ: Goodman 1997) (Total Difficulties score – this combines ratings of the child’s difficulties in four domains of functioning: emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer relationship problems.) 2. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS, Snaith & Zigmond, 1983) (Anxiety score) | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Secondary assessments will include a measure of interpersonal support. In addition, the number of bed nights spent away from home, frequency of re-referral and time lapse between referrals will be measured. The secondary outcome measure will be administered at baseline and at follow-up c.8 weeks after randomisation. The other data will be retrieved c.13 weeks after randomisation (for initial report) and a further 2 time points if the trial period is extended (c.25 weeks and c.50 weeks after randomisation). 1. Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL, Cohen & Hoberman, 1983). (Total support, tangible support, belonging support, self-esteem support and appraisal support.) | — |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed