| The Children and Family Services Division (CFSD) of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) developed the program Oklahoma Children's Services (OCS), which provides intensive, home-based services to families within the Child Protective System with complex needs. More recently, CFSP has asked for consultation and collaboration in improving the services provided to the families in hopes of providing a more efficacious program. Thus, an effectiveness trial is being implemented for Project SafeCare, a program developed by Dr. John Lutzker and his colleagues which has been shown to reduce the recurrence of child abuse and neglect, compared to services as usual. The NIMH funding which began in April 2003 allows us to increase the rigor of the design of the study. This additional support allows for independent data collectors and for integrity monitors (ongoing trainers) to ensure that the model is being delivered as developed, and to assist with the training of the staff. |