Breaking barriers: Enhancing access and outcomes in a community-based parenting intervention for at-risk families.

Abstract

Prevention of behavioral and emotional problems in early childhood is essential to promote healthy development and reduce risky behaviors, academic failure, delinquency, and social difficulties. Evidence-based parenting interventions, such as the Incredible Years Toddler Basic program, are known to effectively address these challenges. However, access to such programs remains limited for many caregivers, especially those in ethnically diverse and at-risk families, due to structural, attitudinal, and interpersonal barriers. This study describes the implementation of the Incredible Years Toddler Basic parenting intervention, highlighting strategies to recruit, retain, and engage a predominantly Hispanic (68.3%), at-risk population while addressing participation barriers. Data from 301 families were collected using validated measures, including the Parental Stress Scale and the Adult and Adolescent Parenting Inventory, second edition. Of the participants, 262 (87%) met attendance requirements, significantly exceeding retention rates for comparable programs. Caregivers reported significant reductions in parental stress and improvements in parenting attitudes. Findings highlight the success of addressing structural, attitudinal, and interpersonal barriers to improve participation and outcomes in community-based parenting programs. This study serves as a model for leveraging community partnerships and tailoring programming to advance public health and support in ethnically diverse and at-risk families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).