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Cost analysis of the strengthening families program in reducing time to family reunification among substance-affected families

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  • Johnson-Motoyama, Michelle
  • Brook, Jody
  • Yan, Yueqi
  • McDonald, Thomas P.

Abstract

Decision makers typically face uncertainty in determining whether the outcomes of promising child welfare interventions justify the investment. Despite repeated calls for cost analysis in child welfare, original studies that evaluate the costs and effects of child welfare programs have been limited. Moreover, no cost analyses have focused on family reunification programs that address the needs of substance-affected families. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the costs and effects of a federally funded implementation of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP), a 14-week family training curriculum, on time to reunification with a substance-involved child welfare population. Based on event history analysis, we find the typical child participating in SFP spends 190 fewer days in out of home care when compared to a propensity score matched comparison group of children in out-of home care receiving treatment as usual. Re-entry rates between the two groups were not significantly different at follow-up. At an average out-of-home care rate of $86 per child per day in this state, SFP saves approximately $16,340 per participating child in out-of-home care costs. From a cost–benefit perspective, every $1 invested in SFP yields an average savings of $9.83 in this Midwestern demonstration.

Suggested Citation

  • Johnson-Motoyama, Michelle & Brook, Jody & Yan, Yueqi & McDonald, Thomas P., 2013. "Cost analysis of the strengthening families program in reducing time to family reunification among substance-affected families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 244-252.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:35:y:2013:i:2:p:244-252
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.11.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brook, Jody & McDonald, Thomas P. & Yan, Yueqi, 2012. "An analysis of the impact of the Strengthening Families Program on family reunification in child welfare," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 691-695.
    2. Davis, Inger P. & Landsverk, John & Newton, Rae & Ganger, William, 1996. "Parental visiting and foster care reunification," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(4-5), pages 363-382.
    3. Marsh, Jeanne C. & Smith, Brenda D. & Bruni, Maria, 2011. "Integrated substance abuse and child welfare services for women: A progress review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 466-472, March.
    4. Brook, Jody & McDonald, Tom, 2009. "The impact of parental substance abuse on the stability of family reunifications from foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 193-198, February.
    5. Choi, Sam & Ryan, Joseph P., 2007. "Co-occurring problems for substance abusing mothers in child welfare: Matching services to improve family reunification," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(11), pages 1395-1410, November.
    6. Cheng, Tyrone C., 2010. "Factors associated with reunification: A longitudinal analysis of long-term foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(10), pages 1311-1316, October.
    7. Farmer, Elaine, 1996. "Family reunification with high risk children: Lessons from research," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(4-5), pages 403-424.
    8. Marsh, Jeanne C. & Ryan, Joseph P. & Choi, Sam & Testa, Mark F., 2006. "Integrated services for families with multiple problems: Obstacles to family reunification," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(9), pages 1074-1087, September.
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    1. Pierce, Barbara J. & Muzzey, Finneran K. & Bloomquist, Kori R. & Imburgia, Teresa M., 2022. "Effectiveness of Family Centered Treatment on reunification and days in care: Propensity score matched sample from Indiana child welfare data," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    2. Pipkin, Simon & Sterrett, Emma M. & Antle, Becky & Christensen, Dana N., 2013. "Washington State's adoption of a child welfare practice model: An illustration of the Getting To Outcomes implementation framework," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 1923-1932.

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