By (July 23, 2008)

University at Albany-SUNY Center for Human Services Research Receives Grant to Help At-Risk Families

The Center for Human Services Research (CHSR), School of Social Welfare, has received a grant from Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey (PCA-NJ) to design and develop a Web-based management information system for Healthy Families New Jersey (HFNJ). The initial award totals $219,000 over two years and was obtained by Jeffrey Luks, principal research support specialist at the center.

CHSR has received national recognition for its current data system of Healthy Families New York. Both Healthy Families programs are based upon a national model of home visitation being delivered in more than 400 communities across the United States. Healthy Families provides education and support services to new and expectant parents, especially those families who are overburdened by stressors that put them at risk of child abuse and neglect. The program identifies families who may be at risk of maltreatment using a systematic assessment process which screens prospective clients in the target community. PCA-NJ manages a system of 25 Healthy Family sites throughout the state with training, technical assistance and support to meet the Healthy Families America credentialing standards.

The data management system will collect information on participant characteristics, services provided, and select outcomes using standardized measures and instruments designed for this program. The data are collected by home visiting staff and entered at each program site. In addition to providing data for evaluation purposes, the system will produce a full package of reports that will assist the sites with program management and administration and provide monitoring information useful for state administrators.