Amie F. Bettencourt

BACKGROUND Positive parenting practices foster optimal child development, yet traditional program delivery (in person one-on-one or group) of behavioral parent training (BPT) faces scalability and access barriers. Digital BPTs expand reach but struggle with retention, whereas hybrid models, pairing digital content with facilitator support, significantly increase engagement. However, scaling hybrid delivery remains limited by time-intensive facilitator training. OBJECTIVE This protocol describes Phase 2 of a trial evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of the *ez*Parent Bundle (asynchronous facilitator training (*ez*Training), a monitoring dashboard (*ez*Dashboard), and hybrid BPT program (*ez*Parent)) on parenting self-efficacy, parent-child relationship quality and child behavior in Head Start Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) settings. METHODS Using a cluster randomized trial, 16 HS/EHS sites in the US are randomized 1:1 to the *ez*Parent Bundle or usual care. The target sample is 516 parents (~32 per site) of children aged 2-5 years. Intervention parents complete 6 digital *ez*Parent modules and 4 group sessions led by facilitators at the HS/EHS site trained via *ez*Training. Outcomes evaluated at baseline, 10–12 weeks, and 24 weeks after *ez*Parent participation include parenting practices, parenting self-efficacy, parent-child relationship quality, and child behavior. Implementation is evaluated using RE-AIM. RESULTS Site partnership began in early 2026, and parent recruitment was initiated in August 2026. As of October 2026, 13 sites are engaged and randomized, with 3 in process. All (n = 18) engaged facilitators successfully completed *ez*Training and hybrid *ez*Parent began in October 2026. Parent recruitment is ongoing in control sites. CONCLUSIONS This study evaluates a scalable, community-embedded model to expand facilitator capacity and optimize delivery of evidence-based parenting interventions. Findings will inform strategies for increasing adoption, implementation, and sustainment of hybrid BPT in community settings while reducing training burden and supporting broader reach to families. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07417930

Background: Firearm injuries are the leading cause of mortality among youth in the United States and legislation is a key strategy in reducing youth firearm injuries and deaths. Maryland recently enacted a stronger child access prevention (CAP) law known as Jaelynn’s Law, which mandates secure firearm storage and imposes stricter penalties for violations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine firearm storage practices and beliefs in a pediatric and adult emergency department in Baltimore before and after the implementation of Jaelynn’s Law. Method: This descriptive study recruited 396 adult participants from pediatric and adult EDs at Johns Hopkins Hospital before and after the implementation of Jaelynn’s Law. Participants completed a survey on demographics, firearm ownership, and storage practices. Those with unsafe storage practices were provided educational pamphlets and safe storage devices. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 28, with descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Chi-square analyses used to assess differences pre- and post-law implementation. Results: Of the participants, 29% owned firearms, with 86% of firearm owners having children in the home. Firearms were primarily stored locked and unloaded. No significant differences in storage practices were observed after implementation of Jaelynn’s Law. Participants cited quick access for personal protection as a key barrier to safe storage. Conclusions: We found no significant change in safe storage practices post-implementation of Jaelynn’s Law. Concerns about personal safety continue to be of primary concern and public health campaigns, legislative measures, and community investment are necessary to enhance safety and safe storage compliance.