Community health worker intervention for child behavior and parenting support

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)

Not applicable Interventional University of Miami · NCT05400434

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Miami Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Miami, Florida and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05400434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include families with children aged 2 to 12 who have a history of child abuse or behavior problems.

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.

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 performed: Other studies have shown success with community health worker interventions in improving mental health outcomes, suggesting a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Miami, Florida and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Child BehaviorParentingCommunity Health WorkersMental Health Disparities
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.