Family Connections (Birth to Age 5)

The information contained on this page was last updated in April 2013. Recommended Further Reading lists the sources for this information. In addition, the information contained in this profile was reviewed for accuracy by the Family Connections developer on March 28, 2013. HomVEE reserves the right to edit the profile for clarity and consistency.

Family Connections is designed to improve protective factors such as parenting skills and attitudes and reduce risk factors such as parent depression and child behavioral problems. It is a community-based neglect prevention program targeting families that are at risk for neglect and exhibit at least two risk factors such as unemployment, parent mental health issues, parent substance abuse issues, and issues affecting the child such as developmental or physical disabilities and mental health or behavior problems.

Sanford, F. G. (2005). An analysis of the impact of the Family Connections program on the academic performance of socioeconomically disadvantaged elementary school students (California). (Azusa Pacific University; 1323 Advisor: Adviser Ying Hong Jiang). Dissertation Abstracts International, 67 (02A), 134-473. (AAI3207576)

DePanfilis, D., & Dubowitz, H. (2005). Family Connections: A program for preventing child neglect. Child Maltreatment, 10, 108–123.

DePanfilis, D. (2002). Helping families prevent neglect - final report. (Grant No. 90CA1580). Baltimore, MD: University of Maryland School of Social Work.

DePanfilis, D., Dubowitz, H., & Kunz, J. (2008).  Assessing the cost-effectiveness of Family Connections. Child Abuse & Neglect, 32, 335–351.