An online parenting program developed at the University of Oregon is making a significant impact by supporting rural parents who face challenges such as substance use, mental health struggles, and limited access to community resources. The program, called Family Check-Up, has been shown to reduce depression symptoms and improve parenting effectiveness, according to recent research.
Expanding Accessibility Through Technology
Family Check-Up, initially designed for in-person delivery at schools or community centers, has been adapted for online use via a smartphone-compatible web app. This transition is particularly beneficial for parents in rural areas, where community resources are often sparse, and seeking help anonymously may be preferred.
In the study, parents accessed the program from home using their smartphones, engaging in:
- Short Video Lessons: Parents watched animated videos featuring a bear family that demonstrated parenting skills, such as spending quality time, using positive reinforcement, and setting consistent boundaries.
- Family Coaching: Participants spoke with a trained mental health provider five to six times over three months, with each session lasting about 20 minutes.
On average, parents spent 1.5 hours engaging with the program over three months, typically consuming video content in manageable 5- to 10-minute snippets.
Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges
The research highlights the critical need for accessible parenting support:
- One-third of participating parents reported past opioid misuse or symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Four in ten families lived in rural communities disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic.
- Nationally, 1 in 5 parents of children under 18 has experienced mental illness, and 1 in 8 children lives with a parent struggling with substance use, based on 2017 data.
Positive Outcomes for Parents and Children
Family Check-Up has a 30-year research history, demonstrating its effectiveness across various demographics. Studies show the program:
- Strengthens parenting skills and reduces stress.
- Improves parents’ mental health and well-being.
- Reduces children’s behavioral and emotional challenges.
One parent participant noted, “The most valuable part of this experience was the positive focus on parenting. It felt supportive in a way that helped me have confidence to make changes.”
Future Research Directions
The study also explores ways to expand the program’s reach, such as:
- Training community agency staff (e.g., daycare workers) to enroll and motivate parents.
- Investigating whether the program can be effective without coaching support.
- Identifying the level of interaction needed for optimal benefits.
As rates of child removal due to parental substance use continue to rise, programs like Family Check-Up offer a vital lifeline. By empowering parents to address their challenges and enhance their relationships with their children, this online intervention promises long-term benefits for families, particularly in underserved rural communities. Researchers remain committed to making the program widely accessible, ensuring parents can build on their strengths and foster healthy child development.
