March 15, 2010

“Keeping children safe while helping families achieve a substance free life”

These words describe the work of Project Connect, an innovative program that Children’s Friend designed 16 years ago to support children and families involved in DCYF, struggling with substance use.   There is much attention these days to the phrase “evidence based” programming.  The idea is to provide services and supports that truly make a difference in the lives of families and the need to have the data and research to support these claims. 

What we know – is that Project Connect makes a difference in the lives of children and families!  Since expanding the program statewide in 2007, we have been participating in a national evaluation regarding program effectiveness and outcomes. Our recent analysis of Project Connect has impressive results and the data speaks for itself:

The program helped to preserve families.  Eighty-two percent of the children living at home when their family began service were able to remain safely at home with their parents.

Children receiving Project Connect services are less likely to return to DCYF care after reunification.  The re-entry rate for all children in DCYF care is 18%; among Project Connect children the re-entry rate is 10%.

Project Connect families are less likely to be re-indicated for abuse or neglect.  Nationally, 12% of all children reported for maltreatment experience a recurrence within 24 months.  Only 6% of Project Connect families were re-indicated within 24 months of their initial contact with the program.  Among those who were most “highly involved” in the program, none experienced a recurrence of maltreatment. 

Project Connect an effective program and a great investment in our future.

-Aimee Mitchell