Reducing Home Safety Hazards in the Homes of Parents Reported for Neglect

Home safety is a particular concern among families referred for abuse or neglect, and may pose significant risks to the health and safety of children. There is an increased risk of accidents or injuries among children living in homes with unsafe conditions. The home safety component provided by Project SafeCare was evaluated with three families reported for child neglect. Home hazards were assessed using the Home Accident Prevention Inventory-Revised. Training was provided by research assistants and involved teaching parents to identify hazardous objects and make them inaccessible to their children. In-home training was effective in reducing hazards in diverse home settings. Further, these reductions were maintained over time. Social validation data indicate that parents provided positive ratings for the home safety program.