The prevention of child maltreatment necessitates a public health approach. In the U.S. Triple P System Population Trial,
18 counties were randomly assigned to either dissemination of the Triple P—Positive Parenting Program system or to the services-as-usual
control condition. Dissemination involved Triple P professional training for the existing workforce (over 600 service providers),
as well as universal media and communication strategies. Large effect sizes were found for three independently derived population
indicators: substantiated child maltreatment, child out-of-home placements, and child maltreatment injuries. This study is
the first to randomize geographical areas and show preventive impact on child maltreatment at a population level using evidence-based
parenting interventions.
Keywords Child maltreatment - Parenting - Population intervention - Dissemination