Text-based Parenting and Family Programs: Implications for Social Work Practice, Education, and Research

Presenter(s)

Shanimol Shajimon Puthenpurackal Shajimon, PhD Candidate in Social Work , University of Tennessee, Knoxville, expected graduation in 2028. (she/her/hers)

PhD Student
University of Tennessee
Doug Coatsworth, Ph.D

Professor and Associate Dean for Research
University of Tennessee

Parenting programs show strong effects for treating and preventing child and adolescent behavior problems. Yet, many families cannot access these services. Text-based programs show promise in addressing this unmet need. This presentation explores the literature on this topic and discusses implications for social work education, practice, and research.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:

1. To describe the effectiveness of text-based parenting programs toward improved health and well-being of parents, children, and youth.
2. To understand how text-based parenting programs can reduce prominent limitations associated with in person delivery.
3. To recommend the integration of text-based parenting programs in social work services in the mental health practices to broaden their reach to vulnerable families and develop strategies for teaching about text-based parenting programs in generalist and concentration courses of social work education.