Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get involved?
Recruitment for the study is currently closed. We are no longer accepting families to the study.
What agencies are participating in the project?
A list of participating agencies can be found here.
Why is this research being done?
By partnering with community agencies and comparing the different methods counselors use when working with families, we hope to ensure that in the future families will receive effective services.
What does participation include?
The Partnerships for Families Project does not provide any treatment services. Families who are eligible to participate in the project will meet with our research staff for six confidential interviews spread out over the period of two years. All research interviews will be done at the agency or at a family member’s home, depending on agency policies and the family’s preferences.
What are the interviews like and how long do they take?
All of the interviews are similar and take approximately 2 hours to complete. Our research staff will ask both you and your child standardized questions about you, your child, your family interactions, and the services you receive. At any time, if you have a question or feel uncomfortable, please tell the research staff.
How long is my involvement in the project?
Your Involvement in the project will take place over 30 months (2 ½ years).
Will I be compensated for my participation?
You and your child will each receive up to $180 for completing all six interviews: $20 each for completing the first and second interviews, $30 each for completing the third and fourth interviews, and $40 each for completing the fifth and sixth interviews. Additional payment may also include: bonus coupons for keeping your first scheduled appointments and parking/transportation costs for follow-up ssessments.
What if I decide I don’t want to participate in the Partnerships for Families Project anymore? Can I withdraw?
Yes, at any time you can choose not to participate in the research program, however, we ask that you contact our offices and speak with one of our research staff directly so that we can be sure to honor your wishes.
What if I move away?
Regardless of where you live, once you are a participant in the project, we would like to continue to conduct the interviews with you. Families who move or stop services with their initial counselor or agency are still eligible to participate in the follow-up interviews. We have many different ways to conduct these interviews including face-to-face, phone, mail, or Internet.
What if I wish to participate and my counselor is not participating in the research program?
We are not able to enroll a family in the project unless your counselor is participating in our project.
Will the research team have contact with other outside agencies, such as CYF, my child’s school, other service providers?
As part of your research participation, we will ask you to provide written permission for us to communicate with the agencies where you and your child are receiving services. In the event the research team learns you or someone you are involved with is in serious danger or potential harm, we may need to inform, as required by Pennsylvania law, the appropriate agencies.
