Results-Based Accountability Success Story

Rate of Substantiated Allegations of Child Maltreatment (Per 1,000)

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Success Story

About the Organization

Applied Survey Research (ASR) was started in 1980 with a singular goal. We wanted to create a social research organization that would provide reliable insights to help people improve their communities and their lives.

Since that time, we have provided expertise and insights to help many cities, counties, and organizations measure and advance the quality of life for the people they serve. That includes helping them reduce violence, address social equity, provide services to people without shelter, improve early childhood education, and find solutions for other common challenges.

This has become a source of personal fulfillment for us because, ultimately, we help to create better lives for everyone.

What Was the Situation?

The Santa Cruz County rate of substantiated allegations of child abuse and neglect had remained relatively static in the late 1990s, however in the years preceding 2008 the data began to show an upward trend (14.4 in 2007).

What Did They Do?

In 2009, Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, launch in Santa Cruz County. This program is an internationally acclaimed, evidence-based, comprehensive support system for parents and caregivers that is designed to strengthen families through the promotion of positive relationships, teach simple parenting strategies, and increase access to parenting supports and information. The program offers five “levels” of services and support in order to address family functioning and child outcomes at a population level. The Triple P structure allows for light touch/brief interventions (levels 1-3) as well as more intensive supports (levels 4-5).

Between 2010 and 2015, Triple P programming reached a total of 8,407 children and 5,635 parents/caregivers across the county through individual and group services and seminars, and workshops.

What Happened?

Following the implementation of Triple P, as well as the expansion of the Family Preservation Court and the implementation of the 2007 System Improvement Plan, the rate has steadily decreased and was 6.8 in 2014.