Exploring Feasibility and Frontline Insight: Provider Perspectives on the Precision-Based Adaptation of the SafeCare Model

The National SafeCare Training and Research Center developed Precision-Based SafeCare (PBSC) as an adaptation of the original SafeCare model to enhance flexibility and responsiveness in home visiting services. PBSC allows providers to tailor sessions based on family strengths and needs, aiming to increase engagement, reduce dropout, and maintain program fidelity. As part of PBSC’s early development, the Center sought to gather provider feedback on the model’s usability, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. To address this, a focus group was conducted with frontline providers who had experience with PBSC training and early implementation. Providers were asked to reflect on how PBSC impacted session delivery, family engagement, and workload. Analysis of focus group feedback identified several key findings: providers appreciated the model’s flexibility and its ability to streamline services for experienced caregivers but expressed concerns about baseline assessment burden, decision-making clarity, and potential fidelity challenges. Based on the feedback collected, four recommendations were developed to support PBSC’s refinement: (1) clearly defining PBSC eligibility and providing structured decision-making guidance; (2) offering flexible options for baseline assessment completion; (3) embedding PBSC training into case-based, interactive learning formats with ongoing support tools; and (4) piloting PBSC with a limited group of agencies to gather real-time feedback before broader rollout. Implementation of these recommendations is expected to enhance provider confidence, support fidelity, and optimize PBSC’s ability to deliver equitable, family-centered home visiting services.