SafeCare in Israel: The challenges of implementing an evidence-based program

Evidence-based intervention programs which are aimed at preventing child maltreatment are being implemented in diverse cultures and contexts. Implementing a program in a different context than the one for which it was developed can potentially affect fidelity, hence implementation should be conducted cautiously. One such widely implemented program is SafeCare (R) a home-based parent support intervention for children ages 5 and younger. SafeCare (R) has been effective for families reported for or at-risk for child maltreatment. It utilizes three modules (trained skills). In this study we explore the implementation process of SafeCare (R) in Israel. We suggest that there are two types of possible and interrelated adaptations in order to successfully implement a program with a new population: procedural and content adaptations. We interviewed five of the mothers who participated in the program and three of the social workers and we referred directly to the adaptation process. Overall, the mothers and social workers perceived SafeCare (R) as an efficient, effective program, and appreciated the home-based component and the relationships with the home visitors. Several procedural and content adaptations were described, concerning language, recruitment process, engagement techniques and the ways to evaluate the program's effectiveness.