An adult crouches on a sidewalk, hugging a toddler. Both have light skin tones and are smiling together, with trees and bushes in the background.

Impact

Changent’s programs have been thoroughly tested and are grounded in the highest quality research – and our work is backed by ongoing data collection, evaluation and quality improvement to ensure positive outcomes that can be counted upon.

Foundational Research

The research and studies underlying Child First and Nurse-Family Partnership have used the most rigorous methods – including randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) – to demonstrate effective, measurable impact. 

Child First

The Child First model, developed and tested by founder Darcy Lowell, MD, is backed by extensive research, including a randomized controlled trial launched in 2003 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The trial targeted families with children under 3 years old experiencing social-emotional challenges and demonstrated positive results in child and parent mental health, child development, and decreases in child abuse and neglect. Research on Child First continues today, with an additional RCT underway to further study long-term effects of Child First. The following outcomes were observed in this trial*:

  • 68% decrease in child language problems
  • 64% decrease in maternal depression or mental health problems
  • 42% decrease in child aggressive and defiant behaviors
  • 40% reduction in child welfare involvement

*Lowell, D.I. et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Child First: A Comprehensive, Home-Based Intervention Translating Research into Early Childhood Practice. Child Development 2011.

Nurse-Family Partnership

The Nurse-Family Partnership model was developed and thoroughly tested by founder David Olds, PhD. Randomized controlled trials were conducted with three diverse populations beginning in Elmira, New York in 1977; in Memphis, Tennessee in 1987; and in Denver, Colorado in 1994. All three trials targeted first-time mothers affected by social and economic inequality and demonstrated positive results in pregnancy outcomes, maternal health, and child health and development. Follow-up research continues today, in partnership with the Prevention Research Center for Family and Child Health (PRC) at the University of Colorado, studying the long-term outcomes for mothers and children who participated in these trials.

  • 35% fewer cases of pregnancy-induced hypertension1
  • 48% less likely to experience child abuse and neglect2
  • 67% fewer behavioral and intellectual problems in children at age 63
  • 82% increase in months employed among moms4

1 Kitzman H, et al. Effect of prenatal and infancy home visitation by nurses on pregnancy outcomes, childhood injuries, and repeated childbearing. A randomized controlled trial. JAMA 1997.

2 Olds, D.L., et al.  (1997). Long-Term Effects of Home Visitation on Maternal Life Course and Child Abuse and Neglect Fifteen-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Trial. JAMA 1997.

3 Olds DL, et al. Effects of nurse home visiting on maternal life-course and child development: age-six follow-up of a randomized trial. Pediatrics 2004.

4 Olds DL, Henderson CRJ, Tatelbaum R, Chamberlin R. Improving the life-course development of socially disadvantaged mothers: a randomized trial of nurse home visitation. American Journal of Public Health 1988.

Explore our Research

Ongoing Evaluation & Program Outcomes

Changent is grounded by a data-driven focus that allows us to measure the ongoing effectiveness of our programs and achieve quality health outcomes at scale. We continually collect, monitor, and evaluate data to measure program outcomes, assess impact, and continuously improve our program delivery, ensuring positive results for families and communities. Year after year, Child First and Nurse-Family Partnership consistently demonstrate positive outcomes for families and communities.

Child First Outcomes

In 2024, Child First families saw high levels of positive effects, when comparing families at enrollment with families at discharge, in these areas:

  • 74% improved child-caregiver interaction
  • 60% of children increased social skills
  • 68% of caregivers experienced improvement in depression
  • 74% of caregivers experienced improvement in PTSD symptoms

Nurse-Family Partnership Outcomes

In 2023, Nurse-Family Partnership families met or exceeded program targets in the following areas:

  • 85% of pregnancies reached full-term
  • 90% of mothers initiated breastfeeding
  • 91% of children had up-to-date immunizations at 6 months
  • 68% of children were screened for developmental delays at 4 months