Adapting an Evidence-Based Parenting Intervention for Homeless Families in Transitional Housing

Introduction: Homeless families face many challenges to their psychosocial well-being. When compared to normative families, those who have experienced homelessness evidence higher levels of parental distress and increased risk for child emotional, behavioral, and developmental problems. Parenting interventions may be an important tool for preventing negative outcomes among homeless families. Therefore, it is critical to adapt evidence-based parenting interventions for use with this population.

Overview: An adapted version of an evidence-based parenting intervention is being developed for homeless families in transitional housing. The adaptation process follows the steps of the Planned Adaptation Approach:  1) Examine intervention theory of change, 2) Identify population differences, 3) Adapt program content, and 4) Adapt evaluation strategy. Specifically, this poster will focus on Step 2 of this process and present results from two studies examining the unique experiences and needs of homeless parents in transitional housing.

Study 1: This multi-method study explored the psychosocial status and life experiences of homeless parents in transitional housing. The descriptive quantitative results (n=69) suggest risk associated with depression, parenting stress, and negative parenting practices. Using thematic analysis, the qualitative findings (n=24) highlight five themes: 1) I may be homeless, but I’m still a parent, 2) This community is a better choice than alternatives, 3) This community is like a big family, 4) Being in a unique parenting context, and 5) Moving forward despite life’s obstacles. These themes convey the challenges faced by homeless parents as well as their resilience.

Study 2: This qualitative study investigated which intervention components homeless parents (n=40) reported would be relevant to include in a parenting intervention for families in transitional housing. The results of a content analysis revealed 17 relevant intervention components:  7 topics, 5 approaches, and 5 activities. For example, 77.5% of participants indicated that ways to achieve child compliance would be an important topic to include in a parenting intervention. The second most popular intervention topic was how to effectively parent under stress (75%). Regarding intervention approaches, the vast majority of participants (90%) agreed it would be important to consider how family of origin experiences impact their parenting efforts. Learning from other participants through group discussions (65%) and watching videos (60%) were the intervention activities most frequently endorsed.

Conclusion: Including input from the target population has provided important data for informing the adaptation of a preventive evidence-based parenting intervention for homeless families.