Community health worker intervention for child behavior and parenting support
Official title: The Development and Implementation of a Natural Helpers Program to Increase the Recruitment, Retention, and Engagement of Underserved Families in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Run by University of Miami · NCT05400434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program that helps families with children aged 2 to 12 who have behavior problems or have experienced abuse by combining therapy with support from community health workers to see if it improves their situation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 2 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Miami Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Miami, Florida and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 3, 2018 |
| Main results expected | December 27, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 27, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05400434 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include families with children aged 2 to 12 who have a history of child abuse or behavior problems.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have children younger than 2 years or older than 7 years with clinically significant behavior problems may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an 18-week intervention combining Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) with a natural helper model, aimed at improving treatment engagement and outcomes for children and caregivers. The intervention targets families with children aged 2 to 12 who have experienced abuse or exhibit behavior problems. Community health workers will facilitate the sessions to enhance support and retention in the program. The study is conducted in Miami, Florida, focusing on addressing mental health disparities in the community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve child behavior and parenting skills, leading to better family dynamics and child well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with community health worker interventions in improving mental health outcomes, suggesting a promising approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Families of children 2 years of age to 12 years of age. 2. Children 2 to 7 years of age with a history of child abuse or neglect and/or child behavior problems or children ages 8 years to 12 years of age with history of or risk for abuse and the child does not exhibit clinically significant behavior problems. 3. At the time of enrollment, participants must agree that, within the upcoming six months, they will not move away to a location where they would no longer be able to regularly attend weekly sessions (i.e., moving out of Miami Dade County). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Families with child younger than 2 years of age or older than 7 years of age with clinically significant behavior problems 2. Adults who are unable to consent and prisoners
Where it's running
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ConnectFamilias
Miami, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Mailman Center for Child Development
Miami, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Jent, PhD — University of Miami
- Study coordinator: Dainelys Garcia, PhD
- Email: ngarcia09@med.miami.edu
- Phone: 3052430234
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.