Project Support

What is Project Support? 

Project Support was launched in 1996 to address the mental health problems of maltreated children and children exposed to domestic violence, both of which often lead to considerable problems for children later in life, such as substance abuse, interpersonal violence and criminal activity. Since these children are at a high risk for conduct problems, the objective of the program is to reduce conduct problems in these children, reduce harsh parenting, and improve the mother's relationship with her children. The program also aims to provide support for battered mothers during their transition away from an abusive partner. 

Since its launch, Project Support has been adopted by agencies nationally and internationally as a treatment for children in violent families that is supported by research evidence. 

What were the research outcomes?

Research found the program reduced abusive parenting among mothers who live in poverty and whose families have a history of domestic violence or child abuse. Mothers reduced their use of harsh discipline and physical aggression toward their children and were much less likely to be referred to Texas Child Protective Services for child abuse. Project Support also improved children’s psychological adjustment, especially conduct problems, the researchers found.

Who is Project Support intended for? 

The program is targeted at families (mothers and children) who have sought refuge at a domestic violence shelter. To receive services through the program, at least one child between the ages of 4 and 9 must exhibit clinical levels of conduct problems, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and the mother must be trying to establish a household separate from the violent partner.

How does the program work?

The program comprises two main components: 1) providing emotional support to the mother and 2) teaching her child management and nurturing strategies to reduce misconduct in her child. The program addresses the first component by helping mothers obtain physical resources and social support to help them become self-sufficient, and by offering training in decision making and problem solving. Therapists also provide mothers with emotional support and help them access needed materials and resources through community agencies, such as food banks and Medicaid. The therapists help mothers evaluate the adequacy and safety of the family’s living arrangements, the quality of their child-care arrangements and how to provide sufficient food with little money. The second component involves teaching the mother positive ways to respond to behavior problems, communication skills, and ways to facilitate a positive relationship with her child.