Date of Award

5-2021

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Barragan, Armando

Abstract

Parental attitudes towards child protection have proven to be essential to engagement in safety seeking measures. Studies indicate when parents feel motivated about participating in child abuse prevention services that the effects of child abuse prevention programs can be beneficial for both parents and children. Previous research suggests that parents are the change agent for their children and gauging parents’ ideas about child abuse prevention programs (CAP). This is essential because parents are a pivotal partner in lowering the rate of child abuse. This research aims to identify when parents feel positively about the benefits of CAP, parents will feel positively about having the opportunity to engage in CAP. Researchers also highlight that parents who feel positively about engaging in CAP will display positive parenting techniques. There is limited research that analyzes parents’ perception of child abuse prevention services before their engagement in the program. Systems theory is the guiding theory for child abuse prevention programs as it seeks to connect all systems that a child engages in. This research combines the ecological perspective in analyzing the thoughts of key stakeholders in children's life to determine if CAP programs are desired amongst parents. This study analyzes parents’ belief of child safety and if the services CAP offers are beneficial or necessary. Results showed that parents overwhelmingly acknowledged the importance of such programs. Future research should focus on the implementation of these programs and their benefit to those who utilize them.

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