Evaluation of behavioral interventionist program for adoptive families - this study evaluates the effectiveness of the behavioral interventionist (BI) program among adoptive families, with a focus…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded a cooperative agreement totaling $1.8 million to the University of Kansas Center For Research Inc. on September 30, 2026, under the Adoption Opportunities program (CFDA 93.652).

The award funds an evaluation of the Behavioral Interventionist (BI) Program for adoptive families. The study employs a quasi-experimental design to assess the BI program's effectiveness in improving challenging child behavior, decreasing caregiver stress, improving caregiver skills and confidence, and enhancing adoption stability and permanency. The intervention delivers trained behavioral interventionists providing in-home, one-on-one sessions to support children in reducing challenging behaviors and strengthening daily functioning, while simultaneously coaching caregivers and modeling skills. Wraparound service support through a family/case coordinator supplements the intervention. The evaluation will match a treatment sample of 400 adopted children to an equivalent comparison group using propensity score matching and will examine effectiveness at 6-month and 12-month follow-up periods, investigating secondary child and adult well-being outcomes.

Performance takes place in Kansas. The period of performance extends from September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2030. The obligation amount is $1.8 million.

Evaluation of behavioral interventionist program for adoptive families - this study evaluates the effectiveness of the behavioral interventionist (BI) program among adoptive families, with a focus on improving challenging child behavior, decreasing caregiver stress, improving caregiver skills and confidence, and improving adoption stability and permanency. The intervention consists of trained behavioral interventionists providing in-home, one-on-one sessions that support children in reducing challenging behaviors through strengthening daily functioning. The interventionists will simultaneously provide coaching and model skills for caregivers. Wraparound service support is also included in the intervention through a family/case coordinator. The study employs a quasi-experimental design utilizing administrative data to examine adoption stability and permanency. A sample of 400 treatment participants will be matched to an equivalent comparison group of adopted children using propensity score matching. The study will examine effectiveness at 6-month and 12-month follow-up periods. The study will also investigate secondary child and adult well-being outcomes.