Advances in the Reliability and Validity of the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective: Psychometric properties of the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale (NCFAS) are examined in relation to placement and prediction of future placement within the context of Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS). Method: IFPS workers recorded NCFAS intake and closure ratings for 1,279 families. The categorical rating data and change-scores are analyzed in relation to treatment outcomes and future placements. Results: Domain scores of the NCFAS remain highly reliable. Closure ratings are significantly related to placements and future placements of children, and change-scores are related to placements. Conclusion: The NCFAS is shown to be an instrument that helps practitioners assess areas needing service (i.e., parental capabilities, environment), documents changes, and relates the reported findings to placement and future placement.