The challenges faced by families affected by maternal substance use are multifaceted and complex. The Team for Infants Exposed to Substance use (TIES) Program has developed a groundbreaking tool designed to support these families through a comprehensive approach to goal setting and attainment. This tool, a validated goal attainment scale, is not only a guide for intervention but also a measure of progress across multiple domains crucial to family stability and health.
Understanding the Goal Attainment Scale
The TIES goal attainment scale was meticulously developed to address the unique needs of families impacted by maternal substance use. It covers six key domains:
- Maternal Substance Use: Focuses on reducing substance use through support groups and treatment programs.
- Parenting Skills: Enhances parent-child interactions and problem-solving abilities.
- Child Physical/Mental Health: Ensures children receive preventive care and appropriate responses to health concerns.
- Maternal Physical/Mental Health: Encourages mothers to prioritize their health needs.
- Income Stability: Aids in improving employability and money management skills.
- Housing Stability: Secures safe and stable housing environments for families.
This scale is integrated into Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), allowing practitioners to tailor goals based on each family's specific circumstances. By working collaboratively with families, practitioners can set realistic goals and track progress over time using a five-point Likert scale that measures status from crisis to thriving.
The Benefits of Implementing the Scale
The goal attainment scale serves multiple purposes. It acts as a therapeutic guide, helping families identify their strengths and challenges while setting achievable goals. Additionally, it provides evaluative data that can inform program improvements and ensure accountability.
The validation process of this scale involved extensive research and analysis. Data collected from 220 participants over several years demonstrated its reliability and validity. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed a six-factor structure with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of .90), ensuring that the tool accurately measures what it intends to across diverse populations.
A Call to Action for Practitioners
The TIES goal attainment scale is a valuable resource for practitioners working with high-risk families. By adopting this tool, you can enhance your practice by providing targeted support that addresses the complex needs of families affected by maternal substance use. The collaborative nature of the scale fosters strong relationships between practitioners and families, which is crucial for successful interventions.
If you're interested in learning more about this innovative tool or considering its implementation in your practice, further research is encouraged. Understanding the intricacies of this scale can empower you to make informed decisions that benefit the families you serve.
