Cultural adaptation of an evidence‐based parenting programme with elders from South East Asia in the US: co‐producing Families and Schools Together – FAST
| Date | 15 June 2012 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/17466661211238673 |
| Published date | 15 June 2012 |
| Pages | 113-127 |
| Author | Lynn McDonald,Gail Coover,Jen Sandler,Toua Thao,Huda Shalhoub |
| Subject Matter | Education,Health & social care,Sociology |
Cultural adaptation of an evidence-based
parenting programme with elders from
South East Asia in the US: co-producing
Families and Schools Together – FAST
Lynn McDonald, Gail Coover, Jen Sandler, Toua Thao and Huda Shalhoub
Abstract
Purpose – Without some flexibility, replications of manualised evidence-based programmes (EBP) may
not achieve predictable outcomes due to differences in cultural priorities. In this case study, Families
and Schools Together (FAST) was co-produced with elders from a community of Hmong political
refugees in the US Mid-West. The paper aims to describe and evaluate the process of culturally
adapting and implementing this universal parenting programme.
Design/methodology/approach – Observations of FAST groups to monitor programme integrity and
notes on adaptation discussions were undertaken. Quantitative evaluations of parents in the first cohort
(2 FAST groups) used a wait-list control, randomised strategy, using three standardised instruments
completed by the parents three different times. Data from five matched pairs of parent graduates (10)
randomly assigned to ‘‘FAST now’’ or ‘‘FAST later’’ were analysed using one-tailed, paired t-tests.
Findings – Hmong parents and elders reported satisfaction on the cultural fit of FAST across the four
groups, which graduated on average seven families each. Of 38 low-income families who attended
FASTonce, 78 percent attended six or moresessions, in other words 22 percent dropped out. Parents
reported statistically significant improvements in child anxiety (CBCL internalizing), child social skills
(SSRS) and family adaptability (FACES II), with no changes in CBCL externalizing or family cohesion.
Originality/value – The paper provides a detailed study and evaluation of how an EBP can be
successfully implemented with a highly socially marginalized group of immigrants in a Western society.
Keywords Multi-family groups, Social work, Hmong, Political refugees, Immigrants,
Low-income parents, National cultures, United States of America, Social care
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Dissemination of evidence-based practices (EBP) across culturally diverse communities is a
challenge to policy makers, practitioners, programme developers and to programme
participants (Webb, 2001). EBP is a problem-solving approach that is based on the
systematic and conscientious identification and use of current best evidence (Ciliska et al.,
2005). Both individuals and organisations need to develop the skills required for effectively
determining and implementing best evidence in practice (Hulme, 2010).
One problem that consistently arises when implementing an EBP is conflict with the cultural
norms of the local community. According to Spector (2004), one way to view culture is as
luggage: luggage we keep for a lifetime. Many nations, including the USA, are characterised
by pluralism (Tripp-Reimer, 1984). Pluralism is present when a nation or society contains
groups within it that are distinctive in ethnic origin, cultural patterns and religion
(Agnes, 2000).
DOI 10.1108/17466661211238673 VOL. 7 NO. 2 2012, pp. 113-127, QEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1746-6660
j
JOURNAL OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES
j
PAGE 113
Lynn McDonald is based in
the Department of Social
Work and Mental Health,
Middlesex University,
London, UK.
Gail Coover is based at
University of
Wisconsin-Madison,
Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Jen Sandler is based in the
Education Department,
Bates College, Lewiston,
Maine, USA.
Toua Thao is based at
University of
Wisconsin-Madison,
Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Huda Shalhoub is based at
Innerscope Research,
Boston, Massachusetts,
USA.
The authors express special
thanks to Mr Nhia Koua Vang,
Mr Fue Chou Thao, Mr TongBer
Xiong, Mr Cher Lue Thao,
Mr Thaj Ying Lee, and the
United Refugee Services in
Madison for partnership in
adapting and evaluating FAST
for the Hmong refugee families.
Funding was from Madison
Metropolitan School District
(Madison, WI, USA) and US
Center for Mental Health
Services/Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services
Administration/Department of
Health and Social Services
(CMHS/SAMHSA/DHSS).
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