This evaluation research study seeks to determine the effectiveness of Adlerian-based parenting programs, such as Active Parenting Now, in improving parenting skills and allowing parents to regain custody of their children. The study will use quantitative methods to measure the rate of reunification among parents who complete the Active Parenting Now program, excluding substance abusers. The goal is to determine if completion of Active Parenting Now predicts parents regaining custody of their children.

1.  This evaluation research study seeks to learn how
effectively Adlerian-based parenting programs are
in improving parenting abilities which
subsequently result in children being returned to
the parents.
 The study will use quantitative methods in
measuring the rate of reunification. In an attempt to
control for extraneous variables, substance abusers
will be excluded from the availability sample.

2.  Is “Active Parenting Now” effective in assisting non-
substance abusing parents in regaining custody of their
children?

3.  Active Parenting Publishers, Inc., was founded in
1980 by Dr. Michael H. Popkin, a former child and
family therapist and Coordinator of Child and
Family Services for Northside Community Mental
Health Centers in Atlanta, Georgia.
 APP delivers quality education programs for
parents, children and teachers to schools, hospitals,
social services organizations, churches and the
corporate market.

4.  The Active Parenting model is heavily based
upon the theories of Alfred Adler and
Rudolf Dreikurs.
 Utilizes video-based educational modules for
delivery, integrated with classroom
instruction and group discussion.

5.  Adler developed what is
considered the first "common
sense" therapy, the basic premise
is that human beings are always
"becoming," that we're always
moving toward the future, and our
concerns are geared toward our
subjective goals rather than an
objective past.

6.  Dreikurs expanded on Adlerian
theory by developing a system of
individual psychology into a
practical method for understanding
the purpose of “reprehensible
behavior” in children and for
instead simulating cooperative
behavior without punishment or
reward.
 Emphasis on discipline.

7.  Parents who have completed a full course “Active
Parenting Now” over the span of the past three years (based
on data from the Children’s Advocacy Center in Fort
Payne, Alabama).
Substance Abusers Excluded
Completed Program During Past 3 Years

8. Phone Survey
Mail Survey
DHR/CAC Records

9.  How many parents completing the classes were able to
regain custody of children?

10.  “Active Parenting Now” is an effective tool
in assisting parent to improve parenting
skills thereby enabling them to regain
custody of children.
 Null hypothesis: Successful completion of
“Active Parenting Now” is not an accurate
predictor of whether or not parents regain
custody of their children.

11.  Research literature regarding Adlerian-based
parenting programs, such as Active Parenting
Now, have produced results showing an
improvement in child self-esteem and a
reduction in deviant behavior.
 However, no studies have been conducted to
measure the effectiveness of such parenting
programs in assisting non-drug and alcohol
abusing parents in regaining custody of their
children.

12.  Burnett, P. C. (1988, March). Evaluation of Adlerian parenting programs.
Individual Psychology, 44(1), 63-76.
 Mooney, S. (1995). Parent training: A review of Adlerian, parent effectiveness
training, and behavioral research. The Family Journal, 3(3), 218-230.
doi:10.1177/1066480795033005
 Mullis, F. (1999). Active parenting: An evaluation of two Adlerian parent
education programs. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 55(2), 225-232.
 Patterson, G. R., Chamberlain, P., & Reid, J. B. (1982). A comparative evaluation
of a parent-training program. Behavioral Therapy, 638-650.
 Prinz, J., Arkin, S., & Gelkopf, M. (2008). Hadarim: A description and evaluation
of a school-based Adlerian parenting program in Israel. The Journal of Individual
Psychology, 64(1), 37-54.