Assessing strengths-based delivery of services for children and families

The adoption of strengths-based approaches is widely discussed as a way of improving services for children and families. This article presents two studies of the 16-item Strengths-Based Practices Inventory (SBPI). Study one describes the development of the SBPI, and study two tests the SBPI and program outcomes in Head Start Settings. Programs interested in implementing strengths-based models are faced with many options for changing their practice. The development of tools to measure the implementation of strengthsbased practices can help programs to monitor their own service delivery process, as well as helping researchers better understand the mechanisms through which programs have their effects on families.