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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy With At-Risk Families
Issue Brief

Author(s):  Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published:  2007

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You are in section: Table of Contents 1 - What Makes PCIT Unique 2 - Key Components 3 - Effectiveness of PCIT 4 - What to Look for in a Therapist 5 - Conclusion 6 - Resources 7 - References

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Conclusion

PCIT is an innovative parent-training strategy with proven benefits for:

• Children with serious behavior problems (ages 2½ to 8)
• Parents, foster parents, and other caregivers caring for children with behavior problems (ages 2½ to 8)
• Physically abusive or at-risk parents (with children ages 4 to 12)

PCIT's live coaching approach guides parents while they develop needed skills to manage their children's behavior. As parents learn to reinforce positive behaviors, while also setting limits and implementing appropriate discipline techniques, children's behavioral problems decrease. Notably, the risk for re-abuse in these families also declines.

While the empirical support and established track record for PCIT is impressive, the model is not yet widely implemented. Challenges to more widespread availability include (1) the high costs for the room set-up and audio and visual equipment; (2) the time-intensive training program; and (3) resistance among service delivery systems to implement new approaches. In addition, many professionals whose clientele would benefit from participation in PCIT remain unaware of its advantages. Nevertheless, availability and awareness are growing along with the research base. With increased use, PCIT holds much promise to continue helping parents and caregivers build nurturing relationships that strengthen families and provide healthy environments for children to thrive.

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You are in section: Table of Contents 1 - What Makes PCIT Unique 2 - Key Components 3 - Effectiveness of PCIT 4 - What to Look for in a Therapist 5 - Conclusion 6 - Resources 7 - References

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This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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Updated on October 9, 2009