Background
Child maltreatment has long-term consequences on children’s well-being. While parenting programs show promise in preventing child abuse, their long-term effects remain under-researched. Additionally, child welfare services (CWS) often face challenges engaging parents reported for abuse in interventions.

Objective
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the parenting program Safer Kids within Swedish CWS. Safer Kids aims to increase parental engagement and enhance child abuse prevention. Designed to be implemented quickly after a report, the program operates alongside investigations, incorporating non-violent parenting strategies and child participation.

Methods
Families (N=112) with children aged 2-12 were randomized to Safer Kids or standard interventions – primarily other parenting programs – after reports of physical or emotional child abuse. Questionnaires on child well-being, parenting risk factors, and child welfare reports were collected at 4, 7, 18, and 30 months.

Results
The groups showed comparable improvements up to 18 months. At 30 months, Safer Kids showed a significant larger improvement regarding children’s well-being, with maintained improvements while the comparison group returned to baseline. Re-report rates did not differ between groups. Safer Kids had high completion rates (98%) and strong satisfaction among parents and staff. Furthermore, 25 of 26 sites continuing using the program.

Discussion/Conclusion
Safer Kids can serve as an initial intervention following a child abuse report, demonstrating sustained effects on child well-being. The program appears to organizationally suit the Swedish CWS, with staff reporting high satisfaction and implementation proving sustainable. Notably, completion rates were high, which is critical when interventions are depend on parental consent.