Since 1995, CHSR has been working with the New York State Healthy Families New York (HFNY) to conduct a variety of studies of Healthy Families New York (HFNY), a multi-site program designed to prevent child abuse and neglect, increase parental self-sufficiency, and enhance child health and development.

HFNY is based on Healthy Families America, a national model of home visiting services being delivered in over 400 communities across the United States. CHSR studies are designed to measure outcomes, monitor program activities, and inform practice and policy in New York State.

Evaluation & Research

Randomized Controlled Trial: CHSR and the OCFS conducted a randomized controlled trial that began in 2000. Over 1,000 women were interviewed annually for 3 years. In 2006, additional funding was received from the National Institute of Justice and the Doris Duke Foundation to re-interview families at 7 years to test the long term effects of the program. In the study, expectant and new parents were assigned to either a treatment group (offered home visiting services) or a control group (received referral information only). The study compared these women and their children over time to assess program outcomes. In addition to survey data, an observational study was conducted that involved videotaping mothers and children to assess the program effects on parent-child interaction and child development. Noldus, a video-coding software program, is being utilized to analyze the observational data.

Fatherhood Initiative Study: Recent research findings emphasize the importance of fathers in improving the outcomes of children. In response, HFNY has increased its efforts to involve fathers. Given that the field of fatherhood research and policy is in its infancy, there is sparse information on empirically proven methods to foster father involvement and little documentation of the outcomes of fatherhood initiatives. In addition to analyzing data from the management information system, CHSR has interviewed fatherhood advocates about their work with families and participates in a variety of HFNY initiatives to promote responsible fatherhood.

Early Enrollment Pilot Study: Based upon the positive outcomes of HFNY for women who enrolled prenatally, the HFNY Central Administrative Team embarked on a pilot study to promote early enrollment. Five sites were selected to implement a new screening form, analyze their enrollment processes, and communicate with community agencies about the benefits of early enrollment. The study demonstrated varying degrees of success in implementation and outcomes for all the pilot sites. All sites increased the number of screens compared to the number at baseline, and most shortened the length of time from screen to enrollment. The new simple screen form was well received and was a factor for success. Additionally, individual feedback based on site-specific data on the enrollment process was key to motivating frontline workers and program leaders in improving practice. Building on the success of the early enrollment pilot, CHSR continues to work with HFNY sites to study their prenatal enrollment processes.

Program Development

Central Administrative Team: CHSR is an active participant of an interdisciplinary team of HFNY program administrators, trainers, and evaluators. CHSR researchers and management information system staff regularly attend statewide HFNY leadership team meetings. These quarterly meetings provide valuable opportunities to report research findings and discuss ways to integrate them into program practices.

Systems & Software Development

Management Information System: CHSR has designed and maintains a Management Information System (MIS) installed at 39 HFNY sites. Information is gathered on the mother (or other primary caregiver), child, father, other household members, and workers. Data are collected on family demographics, medical events, pregnancy outcomes, home visits, referrals, developmental screens, parental stress, training, educational attainment, and employment. Performance measures monitor attainment toward program goals. In addition to providing evaluation data, the system is capable of producing on-site statistical reports to assist in program monitoring, administration, and management of cases. CHSR offers on-site training, telephone and email support, special report requests, and regular statewide training sessions. CHSR also designed and maintains the statewide HFNY website.

For more information, contact Dr. Sandra McGinnis.