This article presents a systematic review of intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention studies. Using electronic databases and standard search methods, 19 studies met inclusion criteria for the review. These studies targeted partner violence victimization and/or perpetration, included a comparison or control group, and measured IPV behavior or outcomes involving knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, or other constructs related to IPV. Fifteen of the studies used randomized designs, and 9 studies were identified that used rigorous methods (randomized designs, measurement of IPV behavior, sufficient follow-up, independent assessors). Four of the 9 studies were school-based studies conducted in middle or high schools. Only 1 of those found an unqualified positive impact on IPV behavior; another found an IPV preventive effect for boys only. Five of the 9 studies were conducted in community settings, including 2 that worked with couples, 2 that provided group-based interventions set in the community, and 1 that worked with parents to promote dating violence prevention with their teenage children. All 5 of the community-based studies reported positive impact on IPV behavior. Although there are some encouraging findings in the literature, gaps remain. No programs have been replicated, and although there would appear to be a great deal of overlap in program content, there is no analysis examining key components of program effectiveness.

There is a strong movement toward implementation of evidence-based practices (EBP) in child welfare systems. The SafeCare parenting model is one of few parent-training models that addresses child neglect, the most common form of maltreatment. Here, the authors describe initial findings from a statewide effort to implement the EBP, SafeCare®, into a state child welfare system. A total of 50 agencies participated in training, with 295 individuals entering training to implement SafeCare. Analyses were conducted to describe the trainee sample, describe initial training and implementation indicators, and to examine correlates of initial training performance and implementation indicators. The quality of SafeCare uptake during training and implementation was high with trainees performing very well on training quizzes and role-plays, and demonstrating high fidelity when implementing SafeCare in the field (performing over 90% of expected behaviors). However, the quantity of implementation was generally low, with relatively few providers (only about 25%) implementing the model following workshop training. There were no significant predictors of training or implementation performance, once corrections for multiple comparisons were applied. The Discussion focuses on challenges to large-scale system-wide implementation of EBP.