Outcomes and savings associated with the Quality Parenting Initiative

Mary Eschelbach Hansen; Ashley Provencher; Brian T. Yates

doi:10.1921/swssr.v20i2.1114

Authors

Mary Eschelbach Hansen American University http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3621-1809
Ashley Provencher Siena College
Brian T. Yates American University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v20i2.1114

Abstract

Though several training and support programs for foster carers improve child behaviors, few have been shown to have a large impact on child welfare outcomes such as permanency. Additionally, most training and support programs are expensive. The Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) aims to improve outcomes at low cost by empowering foster carers as well as caseworkers. This paper uses administrative data to show that the earliest implementation of QPI shortened stays in care for children who were reunified. Savings from shorter stays in care are estimated to be more than three times greater than expenditures.

Author Biographies

Mary Eschelbach Hansen, American University

Mary Eschelbach Hansen is Professor of Economics. She is widely published in the fields of child policy, bankruptcy, and economic history.

Ashley Provencher, Siena College

Ashely Provencher is Assistant Professor of Economics. She is espeically interested in the evaluation of policies to reduce crime and poverty and to improve child welfare.

Brian T. Yates, American University

Brian T. Yates is Professor of Psychology. Most of his publications apply cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit analysis to the systematic evaluation and improvement of human services.

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