outcomes & evidence

Maryland’s Network of Family Support Centers

July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010
In the following, data about the children apply to those who visited the program at least three times during the year. Percentages
in italics are taken from a results-oriented evaluation conducted by the Center for Assessment and Policy Development (CAPD).*

Children receive immunizations on time. (Immunization rates are a proxy for child health.)
Of the 2,115 children under the age of 48 months who visited a Family Support Center at least three times last year,
94% had up-to-date immunizations, compared to 80%* statewide, a number that includes all children 0-3 of all income
groups. (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5833a3.htm)

Children are at age-appropriate developmental milestones with early identification of developmental delays and links
with appropriate services. (Developmental assessments are a proxy for school readiness for infants and toddlers.)
Of the 2,057 children age 0-3 who attended a Family Support Center at least three times in FY 2010, 92% received at
least one developmental screening using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Of these, over 97% were at or above the
expected level of performance on each of the measures. The remaining 3% were referred to the Local Infants and
Toddlers Program for additional screening and assessment; all continued to receive services at the Centers. Children
who grow up in homes with books and are read to do better in school than their counterparts who do not have access
to books at home. In FY 2010, Maryland Family Network gave over 3,529 age-appropriate books to children who
participated at Family Support Centers to use at home. CAPD found that 50% of parents increase the amount of time
they spend in child development activities with their infant or toddler at home as a result of Center activities.

Parents develop good parenting skills.

In FY 2010, 4,488 individuals participated in formal and informal parenting activities, parent/child activities, and skill
development training in family management at Family Support Centers. The CAPD study found that over 90% of
this group improved their parenting behaviors and/or attitudes.

Parents advocate assistance that benefits their families and negotiate systems to obtain needed services.
The CAPD study found that of those who participated in formal and informal parenting activities at Family Support
Centers:
100% had access to transportation to take care of daily chores and appointments;
100% had health insurance for their children;
90% kept some records of their children’s vaccinations;
80% kept regular schedules and organized key information (such as emergency numbers & appointments); and
80% had health insurance for themselves and access to regular medical care.

Parents increase their level of educational attainment.

In FY 2010, 1,425 participants took part in adult education services at Family Support Centers including ABE, GED,
ESOL, Alternative High School, and the External Diploma Program. Using the CAPD findings, 21% would have
increased their education by one or more grade levels since enrollment, and 11% would have advanced a level (such as
from middle school to some high school level or from some high school to high school or GED completion). More
than 33% would have stayed at the Center or become enrolled in either high school or college during the period
following Center enrollment.

Parents move toward economic self-sufficiency.

In FY 2010, 1,177 participants took part in employment readiness activities at Family Support Centers. Of these, 53%
received computer literacy instruction; 53% participated in job readiness activities; and 27% received job training, skill
development, and/or work experience. 83% received life-skill building. The results-based evaluation of Maryland’s
Family Support Centers found that approximately 27% of participants arrive at Centers employed; 43% are employed
a year later.

Parents thoughtfully space subsequent pregnancies.

There were 2,338 parenting and expecting participants in FY 2009. Of the subset of this group who were age 19 or
under and remained active in FY 2010, only 2% had another child within the fiscal year. Nationally, the percent of 19
and under parents who get pregnant within a year is approximately 35%. Based on the CAPD findings, 40% of all
participants increase their use of more effective forms of birth control.
The results-oriented evaluation conducted by the Center for Assessment and Policy Development (CAPD) was undertaken at four Maryland Family Support Centers
(Waverly in Baltimore City, Emmitsburg, Elkton, and Landover) between 1994 and 1997. The findings were published in 1998. CAPD used interviews with participants
taken at the initiation of services at the Family Support Center and twelve months later. Researchers based their data on participants’ responses (self-report).

Revised 1.31.11