National SafeCare® Training and Research Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the evidence that supports the SafeCare model?
There have been over 60 studies conducted to develop and validate SafeCare or extensions of the model. The three primary modules of SafeCare have each been validated with single-case studies: parent-child interaction and use of planned activities (Lutzker, Megson, Webb, & Dachman, 1985; Dachman, Halasz, Bickett, & Lutzker, 1984; Cordon, Lutzker, Bigelow, & Doctor, 1998); home safety to reduce home hazards (Tertinger, Greene, & Luztker, 1984; Barone, Greene, & Lutzker, 1986; Metchikian, Mink, Bigelow, Lutzker, & Doctor, 1999); and health-care skills (Delgado & Lutzker, 1988). Further, an uncontrolled group trial of SafeCare found that parents showed significant change in the behaviors targeted by the SafeCare model, that is, improved safety, health, and parenting skills (Gershater-Molko, Lutzker, & Wesch, 2003). For instance, in this study, the number of home hazards was reduced by 78% for maltreating families, and there was an 84% increase in the use of the parenting skills taught.
In terms of child maltreatment outcomes, Lutzker and colleagues (Gershater-Molko, Lutzker, & Wesch, 2002; Wesch & Lutzker, 1991) compared families receiving SafeCare services to families receiving standard family preservation services in California, and found that SafeCare families were significantly less likely to have a recurrence of child maltreatment (15% over three years) compared to services-as-usual families (44% over three years). Similar reductions in neglect were found in an evaluation of Project 12-ways, the predecessor of SafeCare (Wesch & Lutzker, 1991).
For more information on SafeCare evidence or for full references, please link to SafeCare Research.
How much does SafeCare training cost?
The cost of SafeCare training varies according to the number of individuals trained, and what kind of training (home visitors, coaches, trainers) is desired. Because SafeCare training is done with very small trainer to trainee ratio, it is generally not more efficient to try to train large numbers of staff at once. For price estimates for your particular organization, please email safecareinfo@gsu.edu.
What are the requirements for staff be trained in SafeCare?
There is no educational requirement for SafeCare training. The SafeCare protocols are very concrete and easy to learn. SafeCare has been implemented by individuals with high school diplomas and individuals with doctoral degrees in clinical psychology.
NSTRC has found that it is important for staff to be motivated to implement SafeCare, open to new services models, and interested in using a structured protocol for service delivery. It is critical that there be communication about SafeCare implementation before training is initiated. Staff must be prepared to receive SafeCare training, especially if it is very different from the services they are used to providing. NSTRC can assist in this process.
Is my site ready for SafeCare training?
NSTRC works with interested implementation sites to determine the fit between the SafeCare model and the potential site, and the readiness of a site to implement SafeCare. NSTRC has developed two readiness assessments. The Phase I readiness assessment provides information about what is required for SafeCare implementation with regard to staffing, referral base, coaching requirements, etc. The Phase I readiness assessment can be printed here (link), and should be completed on line here (link).
Once you submit your Phase I Readiness Assessment, NSTRC will contact you to discuss your training needs and to determine if there are any issues or barriers that should be addressed before training. When there is agreement that you are ready to move forward, we ask that you complete a Phase II readiness assessment, which provides NSTRC with information on the individuals to be trained, the logistics of training, and specific discussions you and your staff have had with SafeCare and other programs.
How long does it take to become a SafeCare home visitor?
To become a SafeCare home visitor, you must attend a week long workshop and complete all required role-plays and quizzes. Following the workshop, you will be provisionally certified in SafeCare home visiting. To reach full certification, you must demonstrate proficiency in delivering SafeCare with a family across 4 sessions, which will be monitored by your SafeCare coach. Typically, it takes approximately 2 months to be fully certified as a SafeCare home visitor.
How long does it take to become a SafeCare Coach?
To become a SafeCare Coach, you must attend the home visitor workshop and become certified as a home visitor. Additionally, you must attend a one-day coach workshop and complete required role-plays and quizzes. Following the workshop, you will be provisionally certified in SafeCare coaching. To reach full certification, you must demonstrate proficiency in fidelity monitoring of SafeCare home visitors, leading SafeCare team meetings, and providing supervision of SafeCare home visiting skills. It typically takes approximately 3 months to be fully certified as a SafeCare coach.
How long does it take to become a SafeCare Trainer?
To become a SafeCare you must complete full certification in SafeCare home visiting and coaching, and have substantial experience in delivering the SafeCare model with proficiency. Additionally, you must attend a two-day trainer workshop and complete required role-plays and quizzes. Following the workshop you will be provisionally certified as a SafeCare trainer. To reach full certification, you must demonstrate proficiency in delivering a home visitor and coach training workshops. Additionally, you must demonstrate proficiency in supervising a coach through the coach certification process. It takes approximately 6-9 months to be fully certified as a SafeCare trainer. After certification, SafeCare Trainers are observed at one year following training and must complete recertification every two years to maintain Trainer certification.
What assessment tools can be used to help evaluate if SafeCare is working effectively with the families my organization serves?
SafeCare has an observational assessment tools built into each module (health, safety, and parent-child/parent-infant interaction) to evaluate whether parents are progressing as expected in SafeCare targeted skills. It may be useful to use additional measures in conjunction with these observational skill assessments to (1) evaluate other behavioral changes families may make as they complete SafeCare, (2) employ measures that are independent of the SafeCare model, and/or (3) and to understand other issues that may facilitate or impede behavioral change (e.g., substance use, mental health, partner violence). Additionally, it may be useful to have parents complete standardized behavioral assessment tools to evaluate child internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Please click on this link, SafeCare Assessment Tool Recommendations, to see descriptions and ordering information for assessment tools that have been used in conjunction with the implementation of SafeCare.
How do I learn more about SafeCare?
If you are interested in learning more about SafeCare, please send an email to safecareinfo@gsu.edu. You will be contacted within 48 hours.