Evaluering av familievernets differensieringsverktøy_preprint v1
In 2016, the Norwegian family counselling service implemented differentiated mediation to give cumstomized help. The differentiation tool (i.e., questionnaire) has never been evaluated.In a sample of 761 parents, we compared parent responses given over the phone to the service and anonymously to an electronic version of the questionnaire. One third of the parents underreported their challenges to the family counselling service, and only 15% of parents who in the electronic questionnaire reported substanse abuse or violence in the relationship, revealed this to the service. Underreporters had higher relationship conflict and more symptoms of anxiety and depression. Parents who underreported about problems with substanse abuse and violence had more physically violent conflicts. In conclusion, there is a need to improve the validity of the differentiation tool. We suggest that parents need more information and a safer environment when completing the questionnaire. The electronic administration may serve this purpose.