Common components of evidence-informed home visitation programs for the prevention of child maltreatment

Common components analysis (CCA) may be an efficient method to identify specific program components related to the prevention of child maltreatment. We used adapted CCA to examine home visiting programs designed to reduce or prevent child maltreatment and identify which program components are most likely to contribute to the prevention of child maltreatment. To carry out this process, manualized home-visiting programs were first identified through web-based program repositories. Then, program characteristics and components (i.e., sustainability, service delivery, and program content) were coded. Common components across these coding categories were identified and compared in programs with supporting research evidence and programs without research evidence. Our analyses indicate that problem-solving strategies were a key ingredient of evidence informed programs. Information on home cleanliness, accident prevention, first aid, and social support were also common components of evidence informed home visitation programs to prevent child maltreatment. Using CCA in this manner may assist providers in identifying potentially promising practices and programs among programs with and without evidence that match the needs of their populations.