The Effect Of Family Preservation Services On The Out-Of-Home Placement Of Children:  A Meta-Analysis

Linda Ello
296 Cedar Grove Lane
Somerset NJ 08873-5209
732-873-5685
lello@wcupa.edu
Purpose:  A meta-analysis of existing family preservation services (FPS) research literature was conducted to isolate and estimate the individual impact of key service elements on the out-of-home placement of children.  Multiple regression analysis was used to determine to what extent a set or combination of program structure, treatment process and research methods variables is useful in predicting FPS program success.
 
Methods:  For this meta-analysis, a literature search and review was conducted of existing family preservation service studies.  Fifty-seven published studies were identified dating back to 1972.  Extensive descriptive data was compiled for this sample.  After disaggregating the data, ninety-five program observations and one hundred and thirty-six effect sizes were included in the database.  A multiple regression analysis was then conducted to examine the variability of FPS program placement prevention rates by utilizing information about an array of independent variables clustered in the core categories of program structure, treatment process and research methods.
 
Results:  Overall, the predictive variables included in the analysis accounted for 46.4% of the variability in the effect size distribution.  The largest independent contribution to explained variance was associated with program structure variables (15%).  However, the independent contribution of treatment process variables (12%) and research methods variables (11%) was also considerable.  Program structure, treatment process and research methods variables that correlated significantly with the outcome measure were identified.
 
Implications For Practice:  This meta-analysis provides important descriptive data about the current state of FPS research, as well as information about the particular types of interventions and combination of practice elements associated with family preservation services goal attainment.  The findings of this study will assist practitioners, researchers and educators in their efforts to develop effective programs and strategies that address the problems of children and families.