SafeCare focuses on three key outcomes that are universally important for families: creating positive relationships between caregivers and their children, ensuring homes are safe to reduce the risk of child unintentional injury, and keeping children as healthy as possible. SafeCare is a brief, evidence-based skills training program for caregivers of children under the age of 5. Providers work with caregivers to strengthen skills in the following areas:

Parent-Child Interaction

Parent-Child/Parent-Infant Interactions Module - Providers work with caregivers to strengthen their skills in structuring daily activities for their children, providing engaging and stimulating activities, increasing positive interactions and preventing challenging child behavior. The program targets behaviors to promote a safe, stable, nurturing relationship and encouraging social and emotional health in children. It also targets risk factors associated with neglect and physical abuse.

Safety

Providers partner with caregivers to childproof the home by identifying and eliminating safety and health hazards. The importance of caregiver supervision of children in an age-appropriate manner is also discussed. The program promotes a safe environment to protect against environmental neglect and unintentional injury.

Health

Providers work with caregivers to identify common childhood illnesses and injuries and implement a structured process to determine when and how to care for their child when sick or injured. Caregivers receive health reference materials, including a validated SafeCare health manual and are offered practice opportunities to familiarize themselves with using the materials. The program promotes child health to prevent risk factors for medical neglect.