Implementation of SEEK in a Children’s Advocacy Center: A Process Improvement Initiative
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Pediatric Quality & Safety
Abstract
Risk factors for child maltreatment are well-described, but clinicians may overlook these risk factors. The Safe Environment for Every Kid (SEEK) model is an evidence-based approach to identifying psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment. This article describes a quality improvement initiative to implement the SEEK model in a unique pediatric setting, a Children’s Advocacy Center.
Methods:
The objectives were to (1) describe the identification of psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment by implementing the SEEK screening tool with each new family, (2) achieve and sustain a SEEK completion rate of greater than 85%, and (3) achieve and sustain a SEEK follow-up compliance rate of greater than 75%. Structured quality improvement methods, including several plan-do-study-act cycles, were used to implement interventions.
Results:
The percentage of caregivers who completed the SEEK questionnaire increased from a baseline of 76% to 86%, which was sustained for more than 2 years, resulting in a better understanding and support of families’ needs. Caregivers completed 3,606 SEEK Parent Questionnaire-R. Mental health concerns and food insecurity were among the most commonly endorsed items. Follow-up compliance increased from 47% to 90%, a level that has been maintained.
Conclusions:
While Children’s Advocacy Centers evaluate children with suspected abuse, identifying current stressors in the home and linking families with resources to address their immediate psychosocial concerns can improve short- and long-term outcomes. This initiative demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating consistent screening for psychosocial risk factors for child maltreatment in this busy environment.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
Children's Advocacy Center, risk factors, child maltreatment, screening
Citation
Letson, M. M., Brink, F. W., Daniels, A., Thompson, S., Wolf, K. G., & Michaels, N. L. (2022). Implementation of SEEK in a Children’s Advocacy Center: A Process Improvement Initiative. Pediatric Quality & Safety, 7(4).