NCJ Number
216577
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2006 Pages: 301-310
Date Published
July 2006
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the U.S. Navy New Parent Support Program (NPSP).
Abstract
Main findings indicated that the NPSP improved parents’ perceptions of their parenting and coping skills and enhanced the quality of life for families. Parents also reported that the NPSP reduced their parenting stress. Parents who took part in the home-based component of the program were especially likely to report that the NPSP improved their family’s quality of life. Parent participants reported that the NPSP exceeded their expectations and they believed the program demonstrated the Navy’s concern for sailors and their families. Approximately one-third of participants reported that the NPSP increased the likelihood that they would remain in the military. The findings suggest that not only did the NPSP increase parenting skills and child outcomes, it also impacted the ability of participants to perform on the job. Research methodology involved distributing NPSP program evaluation surveys to all “experienced program users” at all NPSP sites Navy-wide. Experienced program users were parents who participated in the NPSP more than once or, in their opinion, were very familiar with the program and services. The survey gathered participant perceptions of both components of the NPSP: (1) the center-based parenting classes and (2) the home-based visits. Data analysis relied on multiple regression models. Future research could focus on program benefit spillover in terms of enhancing the quality of other aspects of participant’s lives. Tables, references