Catholic Family Services - Peel Dufferin // Training & Resources

Building a Strong Foundation: Evaluation of the Safer Families Pilot Project.
October 3, 2005 (PDF)

Study of the Efficacy of the Pathways to Competence Groups with Women Who Had Experienced Violence in the Home.
May 2005 (PDF)

This report summarizes the results of two Pathways to Competence parenting groups that were provided for women with children (ages 0 – 6) who had experienced abuse by their partners and/or abuse as a child in their families of origin. The program’s Group Leader Manual is based on the book Pathways to Competence: Encouraging the Social and Emotional Development of Young Children by Dr Sarah Landy. The groups were delivered by Catholic Family Services Peel Dufferin in partnership with the HEAL (Helping End Abuse for Life) Network.

The results of the evaluation of the Pathways to Competence groups are very encouraging. Significant effects were found on pre- and post-tests for a number of the variables targeted by the group intervention with almost all measures showing improvements. When the groups were followed up 6 months later the results indicated that almost all the improvements were maintained and in some areas the mothers continued to improve.

The Pathways to Competence program shows significant promise as a parenting group for women who have experienced violence in their relationships. It could also be used preventatively to enhance the sense of competence of women who have grown up in violent situations and to enhance their parenting interactions with their children and consequently the developmental outcomes of their children.