Crisis nursery outcomes for caregivers served at multiple sites in Illinois

The results of the first study of individual outcomes for caregivers accessing crisis nursery services at multiple sites in Illinois are reported in this paper. Using administrative data collected by the five crisis nurseries in Illinois, outcomes for individual caregivers accessing crisis nursery services were studied. Results showed that caregivers generally reported improved outcomes in stress reduction, risk of abuse, and enhanced parenting skills after receiving crisis nursery services. Ordinal regression analysis of caregiver stress change showed that those who were Caucasian and single, had higher incomes, had children aged four years of age or older, and sought crisis nursery services because of home, mental health, or family violence crises were more likely to report the greatest stress reductions. Service implications and future research are discussed.