State of Hawaii Department of Health Maternal & Child Health Branch Immigrant Parent Handbook Project Findings The Catalyst Group, L.L.C.

Overview Project period: April 2004 – July 2004 Purpose: –Convey the message that abusive and violent behavior is socially unacceptable and illegal in Hawaii –Incorporate message in an informational handbook for new immigrants. Qualitative needs assessment

Methodology Project consisted of 2 phases: –Interview community key informants to assist with initial handbook development –Convene focus group of Filipino immigrant parents to review draft & provide further feedback on handbook

Phase I 1.Conducted interviews with 2 key informants –Informants were highly knowledgeable about the Filipino immigrant community –Beforehand, provided key informants: Existing acculturation booklet as sample Worksheet to provide feedback on specific issues –Sought ways of improving existing handbook & communicating material

Phase I 2.Developed a draft of Filipino Immigrant Parent Handbook based on key informant feedback 3.Translated material into Tagalog

Phase II 4.Selected focus group of Filipino immigrants –8 participants with diverse backgrounds selected –Newly arrived (1-3 years) & older (4-10 years) immigrants –Mix of genders and ages of children 5.Provided focus group participants with draft of handbook & asked them to review beforehand

Phase II 6.Conducted focus groups Facilitated discussion on each section of handbook Obtained feedback from participants Utilized facilitator, translator/note-taker, and recorder 7.Revised handbook based on feedback

Phase II 8.Obtained additional feedback from participants 9.Finalized handbook 10.Distributed handbook to the community based on recommendations provided.

Results Primary issues for Filipino immigrants include –Free or low-cost food –Health –Social service providers –Job & house-hunting techniques –Immigration and work laws

Results Other important issues specific to Filipino immigrant parents: –US child rearing and discipline techniques Behaviors considered abusive and unacceptable –Involvement in childs education

Conclusion Filipino immigrants often not aware that verbal and physical abuse of spouse or child is illegal in the US. Key informants and focus group participants unanimously agreed that Immigrant Parent Handbook is critical: –For smoother transition to US –For reducing or preventing child abuse and domestic violence

Contact Information Richard Kim, Ph.D. David Jackson, M.A. The Catalyst Group, LLC 770 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 414 Honolulu, HI (808) ofc