NSTRC provides implementing sites with an operations manual during training.
Implementing SafeCare®
Entries in this row combine information across all versions of SafeCare. Only SafeCare Augmented meets HHS criteria for an evidence-based home visiting model. For SafeCare itself, there are no manuscripts about high- or moderate-quality impact studies. Some other versions of SafeCare have at least one such manuscripts. Planned Activities Training (a SafeCare module) and Cellular Phone Enhanced Planned Activities Training (a SafeCare module with an add-on) show evidence of effectiveness.
Implementation last updated: 2020
The information in this profile reflects feedback, if provided, from this model’s developer as of the above date. The description of the implementation of the model(s) here may differ from how the model(s) was implemented in the research reviewed to determine this model’s evidence of effectiveness. Inclusion in the implementation report does not mean the practices described meet the HHS criteria for evidence of effectiveness. Similarly, models described here may not all have impact studies, and those with impact studies may vary in their effectiveness. Please see the Effectiveness button on the left for more information about research on the effectiveness of the models discussed here.
Materials and forms to support implementation
Service delivery forms
NSTRC requires sites to use SafeCare forms. All necessary documents are provided during training.
Assessment tools
The SafeCare curriculum includes a built-in assessment for each module that focuses specifically on the target parenting skills. SafeCare providers assess parents’ skills at baseline, during training sessions, and at the conclusion of each module. All assessments are documented using validated assessment forms. After each module, parents complete a social validation questionnaire that assesses their satisfaction with the training. Additional recommendations for assessments are available through NSTRC.
Curriculum
SafeCare providers follow structured protocols that cover the model’s three modules. Each module is designed to be implemented in 6 or fewer sessions (for a total of about 18 sessions). In the health module, the providers use the Sick and Injured Child Checklist to teach parents decision making skills based on common scenarios involving childhood injury and illness. In the safety module, providers use the Home Accident Prevention Inventory to help parents identify and eliminate common household hazards to children’s safety and health. As part of the parent-infant/parent-child interactions (Planned Activities Training) module, providers use a Planned Activities Training checklist (infant and child versions) to observe and code for specific parenting behaviors during daily routines and parent-infant/parent-child play. Providers reinforce positive behaviors with parents and address problematic ones. In addition, providers offer parents activity cards to encourage skill acquisition.
Available languages
All materials are available in English and Spanish. NSTRC also partners with sites to translate and/or adapt its curriculum.
Fidelity measurement
Fidelity is measured using assessment forms specifically designed for the SafeCare assessment and training sessions. Providers’ sessions are viewed or listened to by coaches, trainers, and/or NSTRC training specialists who use these forms to evaluate the provider’s accuracy in conducting each session. This information is used to provide feedback to the providers about their fidelity to the session protocols and to inform an overall review of the session.
Coaches periodically observe SafeCare sessions for quality assurance purposes. SafeCare trainers and NSTRC training specialists also check coaches’ quality assurance processes.
Each year, trainers are required to demonstrate their accuracy in assessing the fidelity of provider and coach support sessions and their skills in conducting workshops.
Fidelity standards
NSTRC generally requires fidelity to be consistently at 85 percent or greater.
Implementation notes
The information contained on this page was last updated in June 2020. Recommended further reading lists the sources for this information. In addition, the information contained in this profile was reviewed for accuracy by the National SafeCare Training and Research Center on February 21, 2020. HomVEE reserves the right to edit the profile for clarity and consistency.