Research Study
Using Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), Families First Edmonton (FFE) families were randomly placed into one of four service delivery interventions. There are 300 families in each group.
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Comprehensive
Families continued to access the services they already did, plus an FFE family support worker linked them to the existing services of both Recreation and Family Healthy Lifestyles
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Family Healthy Lifestyles
Families continued to access the services they already do, plus an FFE family support worker helped with problem solving and links to existing health, social services and child care options
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Recreation
Families continued to access the services they already did, plus an FFE recreation coordinator placed children in existing recreation activities
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Self Directed (Control Group)
Families in this group continued to access existing services in the same way they usually did
Funding for this community based research study, was used to link participants to services, purchase services from existing community resources and to add supports, as required, for participating families.
In 2012, when the research is completed, the partners in FFE will analyze the results and determine what recommendations, if any, should be made to the way in which services are provided to low income families in Edmonton.
This is a collaborative approach that sees government and not-for-profit organizations working together to make the best use of existing resources.