The Impact of Routines-Based Interview Training on the Quality of Individualized Family Service Plans: A Statewide Comparison of Local Education Agencies

We examined the impact of Routines-Based Interview (RBI) training on the quality of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), comparing the IFSPs of providers trained to fidelity in RBI with those who had not received RBI training. We employed a quasi-experimental design, analyzing 163 IFSPs across six Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in one mid-Atlantic state, focusing on family engagement, outcome specificity, and compliance with recommended practices. Results indicate that IFSPs developed with families by RBI-trained providers scored statistically significantly higher in areas such as family resources, priorities, and concerns, as well as in the quality of child outcomes. These findings highlight the critical role of fidelity in RBI implementation and underscore the need for expanded training to ensure consistent improvements across settings. Implications for practice include using the RBI process to strengthen caregiver engagement in the IFSP process, develop meaningful and measurable outcomes, and guide professional development.