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MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Monday, 9 October 2006

New research lends hope to fight against child abuse

A new evaluation of Christchurch-based Family Help Trust is the first to suggest that ultra high-risk families can make positive changes towards preventing child abuse.

The evaluation, which was carried out by Dr Mark Turner (PhD) examined 55 families being assisted by Family Help Trust over a 12-month period.

Family Help Trust spokesperson Sally Thompson says the research’s findings are a milestone in New Zealand’s efforts to reduce child abuse.

“We all know New Zealand’s child abuse rates are, quite honestly, disgusting. However, this research shows that Family Help Trust is the first to come up with a formula that may positively help those at high-risk of abuse,” says Sally Thompson.

The 55 families involved in the evaluation were all considered to be of an ‘ultra highrisk’ of child abuse.

“These families are best described as ‘extremely hard and street-wise’. The mothers reported a background of adversity in childhood, and there were relatively high levels of criminality, substance abuse and mental health problems. Child Youth and Family had already been in contact with 78.2% of them,” says Sally Thompson.

The evaluation, which took place without a control group, showed that families with the support of Family Help Trust made significant improvements in a number of key areas including: parental behaviours associated with child rearing, the health and safety of children as well as in social support, family violence and CYFS concerns which are all key predictors of child abuse.

There was less evidence of positive changes in lifestyle behaviours (such as parental substance abuse, mental health and family economic circumstances)

Dr. Turner says this is significant.

“Internationally, researchers are suggesting that child abuse prevention services should be focusing on ultra high-risk families, however, to my knowledge Family Help Trust is the only service anywhere that is targeting this group.”

Sally Thompson says Family Help Trust also hopes the research will encourage the Government to consider funding additional research to consolidate these findings.

“The research provides valuable information that can help guide clinical practice and provide government policy with an evidence base for reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect in this high-risk group,” concluded Sally Thompson.

ENDS

For further information, please contact
Tracey Chambers or Jo Scott
Chambers PR
Ph: (03) 377 0147 or 027 229 1838 (Tracey), 027 282 3360 (Jo)