Hands-on parent empowerment (HOPE) project: comparing implementation in social service centres and preschools

Abstract

This project examined the effectiveness and implementation of an early intervention program for children from new immigrant families in Hong Kong in two delivery settings, preschools and social services centres. Participants included 141 new immigrant mothers with preschool children, from 13 preschools and two social services centres. The preschool participants were randomized into an intervention group (30-session HOPE program) and a comparison group (six-session program) at the preschool level, while participants from the two social services centres attended the 30-session HOPE program. Results indicated that the HOPE participants in preschools and social services centres reported lower post-intervention child behavior problem scores than the comparison group. Preschool HOPE participants reported higher post-intervention social support than the social services HOPE participants and comparison group participants. Qualitative information from preschool principals and centre supervisors indicated different dynamics within the two settings. Implications and suggestions for service delivery were discussed.