Prevention Research Center - Randomized Trials

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Olds and his colleagues have conducted three randomized trials of the NFP program, shaping the model and building the evidence-base that is the foundation of the NFP. PRC researchers continue to assess the long-term outcomes of the clients and children from the trials.

Current Trials Research Goals

Elmira age-27 follow-up

To evaluate program impacts for firstborn young adults (whose mothers participated in the program) including economic productivity; quality of partnered relationships; child abuse and neglect; criminal behavior, arrests, convictions, and imprisonment; and mental health and substance use.

Memphis age-18 follow-up

To evaluate program impacts on maternal life course (e.g., use of welfare, partner relations, SUDs, mental health) and youth outcomes for firstborns (e.g., cognitive, language, and academic functioning; depression and anxiety; antisocial behavior; substance use; and risky sexual behaviors).

Denver age-6/9 follow-up

To evaluate program impacts on maternal life course and qualities of caregiving and outcomes for firstborn children (e.g., cognitive, language, and academic functioning; executive functioning; and internalizing and externalizing disorders).

Economic evaluation project

To examine program costs, net cost savings, and return on investment (measured with a benefit-cost ratio) through the Memphis first-born child’s 18th birthday, and evaluate differences in participant incomes using Social Security Administration data for participants across the three NFP trials.

Memphis subsequent children study

To examine the degree to which the program improves the health and development of subsequent children (e.g., cognitive, language, and academic functioning; depression and anxiety; antisocial behavior; substance use; and risky sexual behaviors).