There was an improvement in the FSP participants’ attendance between the inception and completion of FSP at a statistically significant level.
-Dr. Julia Sharp
In a recent study conducted by Dr. Julia Sharp and Dr. William Quinn at Clemson University on the effectiveness of the Family Solutions Program in Horry County Schools (HCS), over 200 students with truancy and behavior difficulties were referred by the Office of the HCS Director of Attendance and participated in the Family Solutions Program (FSP) during the 2012-13 school year.
Evaluation of the Family Solutions Program in the Horry County Schools indicates positive outcomes for students and families that continue to support the evidence-based program were found! There was a statistically significant improvement as reported by female authority figures (including mothers, grandmothers, aunts, foster mothers, and others) in open communication with their children between the inception and completion of the Family Solutions Program (note: open communication refers to warmth and affection).
Using the self-report pre- and posttests done by all the FSP participants, it was also found that female authority figures reported an increase in their family functioning/cohesion between the inception and completion of FSP that was statistically significant.
Researchers conducted t-test analyses to see the impact FSP had on parent-adolescent communication, family function, and the students’ GPA. She has also conducted a wilcoxon signed rank test to see the change in number of unexcused.
To examine the impact FSP had on students outside of the household, the investigators conducted analyses using the school records HCS provided. By comparing student grades for the report card period prior to the inception of the FSP with student grades for the report card period subsequent to FSP completion, students’ grade-point-average (GPA) improved at a statistically significant level. Also since students with truancy problems are referred to FSP, the number of all-day unexplained absences was analyzed. There was an improvement in the FSP participants’ attendance between the inception and completion of FSP at a statistically significant level.
Overall, the Family Solutions Program has had a positive impact on academic success and attendance for those that attend and complete the program. FSP also provides an opportunity to build family strengths.
