Description:

The primary objective of this project is to develop an mHealth app to directly provide caregivers with evidence-based content and peer-moderated support they can easily access and use to improve outcomes for their children and families. The app, currently called “FMF Connect,” is derived from our work on the scientifically-validated Families Moving Forward (FMF) Program that has shown promising results for child and caregiver outcomes in three trials with families raising children with FASD.

Privacy Policy:

Multiple procedures are implemented to protect participant confidentiality and data collected through the app. In terms of data storage and management, all hard copy data (e.g., notes during qualitative interviews), will be secured in locked file cabinets within locked offices, available only to program staff. Electronic data (e.g., digital audio recordings and transcripts from interviews) will be stored in secured servers, and only program staff with knowledge of the password will be able to access the data. Forms with identifying information will be separated from the data collected and only subject numbers will be retained in data analysis files.

All information obtained for research will be kept strictly confidential (as allowed by law) by research staff. Participants will be told about all exceptions (e.g., child/dependent adult abuse, harm to self or others) to confidentiality during the consent process. Research staff and the Peer Moderator will be closely supervised by Dr. Petrenko and instructed on confidentiality, including what information is confidential, the limits of confidentiality, and to whom to report concerns. If maltreatment is suspected, staff will first discuss their concerns with the caregiver and inform him/her that, as indicated in the consent form that she/he had previously signed, our staff are ethically and legally obligated to file a report with Child Protective Services. We have found that this approach conveys respect for the family and mitigates parental anger that might otherwise emanate from filing a report. In our experience, when situations requiring filing a maltreatment report are handled sensitively and framed as stemming from concern for the welfare of the entire family, caregivers often perceive the process as being helpful to them.