The Efficacy of Child–Parent Relationship Therapy Among Child-Welfare Involved Families: A Pilot Study

Due to the significant increase of children moving through the child welfare system more families have been mandated, through a pilot program, to participate in Child–Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT). Child–Parent Relationship Therapy, an evidence-based intervention, empowers primary caregivers to understand and support their children, but the efficacy is unknown when mandated. To address this gap, researchers collected data from a community setting to assess the efficacy of mandated CPRT participation compared to voluntary participation. Through data analysis, researchers found that both groups reported a statistically significant decrease in their child's observed behaviors. Furthermore, when comparing the two groups, researchers found that there was no statistical difference in the efficacy of CPRT when comparing the adjusted means. These preliminary findings provide evidence to support that CPRT is equally supportive to those seeking support as to those who are mandated.