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Research shows FLIP IT® is an effective parent training tool in Ohio

Results of a recent study for the state of Ohio revealed that the Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC)’s FLIP IT^® model is an effective strategy and produces positive and long-lasting outcomes for children and caregivers. 

After implementing a state-wide pilot of FLIP IT, the Ohio Department of Mental and Addiction Services requested an independent evaluation to determine the tool’s effectiveness. The evaluation, conducted by The Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs at Miami University (CHBMSP), validated the program’s success in the field of early childhood development, stating FLIP IT:

• Decreased children’s challenging behavior, including anxiety, withdrawal and aggressive behavior
• Increased children’s positive behavior
• Improved parenting behaviors
• Decreased parent beliefs that their children are hard to manage 

As a result of data collected from 321 caregivers, researchers also reported that parents were “overwhelmingly satisfied” with the tool and “100 percent of the comments described positive outcomes.”  

A strategy to address behavior

FLIP IT promotes social and emotional development through a strategy that is easy to remember, applicable in a variety of situations and portable. The tool helps adults respond positively to everyday challenges, and challenging behaviors, in children ages three to eight. The model includes four steps:

F – Feelings: Gently talking to the child about his/her feelings; identifying root feelings causing the behavior

L – Limits: Reminding the child of the positive limits and expectations you have for his/her behavior

I – Inquiries: Encouraging the child to think about solutions to his/her challenges; ask questions to promote problem-solving and health coping skills

P – Prompts: Providing creative cues, clues and suggestions for the child who is having difficulty 

Ultimately, the goal of the program is to “flip” children’s behavior and help them to become more emotionally aware problem-solvers and to develop healthier coping skills. 

DCRC National Trainer and Author Rachel Wagner – who previously was a social worker and teacher for children with behavioral differences – said she developed the program after “reading everything, trying everything and having a hard time sticking with a strategy long enough to see results. By synthesizing all the books and articles I read – that addressed challenging behavior in children – I decided to create a step-by-step process I could remember during a crisis.”  

Changing attitudes and behaviors

The CHBMSP recommended that Ohio should continue to sustain and support the use of FLIP IT concluding it, “offers parents effective parenting skills that can improve the lives of their children and family members.” 

And this is great news for the DCRC, as it continues its mission to promote:

• Social and emotional development, foster resilience and build skills for school and life success in children birth through school age
• Resilience of the adults who care for these children 

“We are excited about the results of this study,” said DCRC Director Paul LeBuffe. “Accountability is critical. This research shows FLIP IT is effective in changing attitudes and behaviors both in the short- and long-term, and demonstrates it is effective, sustainable and scalable.”   

Click here to learn more about FLIP IT, or click here to learn more about the DCRC. If you have questions, or if you would like to speak with a DCRC team member about FLIP IT, contact Susan Damico.

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