Improving Access to a Primary Care Based Positive Parenting Program

Improving Access to a Primary Care Based Positive Parenting Program

This is a randomized clinical trial of the impact of incorporating a peer mentor into a primary care based group parenting program on increasing program participation by parents and improving program outcomes.

The investigators will perform a randomized controlled trial of the impact of Child Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) plus peer mentor on increasing program adoption, acceptability, and appropriateness among 2-6 year old children and their parents at UNC Children's Primary Care Clinic. The investigators will also examine the effectiveness of CARE plus peer mentor on dysfunctional parenting and child behavior problems. Participants will be randomized to CARE plus peer mentor or standard CARE. Program attendance, acceptability, and appropriateness will be measured upon completion of the 6-week program. Dysfunctional parenting and child behavior will be measured at baseline and 6 weeks. The investigators will conduct semi-structured interviews among a sample of parents (~20-30) in order to understand the impact of the peer mentors on program implementation, as well as barriers and facilitators to program initiation and long-term participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 2-6 year old child at UNC Children's Primary Care Clinic and their parent
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• child is developmentally younger than 2 years old
• child is already received mental health services for behavioral problems