The time-out procedure in PCIT is only one component of the treatment, used in the context of a much larger set of strategies that include building a warm, supportive relationship between the caregiver and the child, using positive reinforcement of behavior, and managing misbehavior with proactive, positive strategies.

PCIT has also been recognized by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare,2 SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices,3 and the Federal Administration on Children, Youth and Families in the Child Welfare Information Gateway4 as being a best practice for the prevention and treatment of child conduct problems and child maltreatment.PCIT has been recognized by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network1 as a trauma-informed intervention.PCIT has over 40 years of research demonstrating that it is a safe and effective intervention that improves the parent-child relationship, increases parenting skills, decreases child conduct problems, and reduces the risk of maltreatment.As such, this position statement was developed to respond to concerns that can arise regarding the use of a time-out protocol in PCIT, in order to help ensure that vulnerable children and families have access to this best practice for child conduct problems and physical maltreatment. The PCIT International Policy and Advocacy Task Force is a group of stakeholders invested in 1) advocating for the needs of children and families and 2) addressing concerns, facilitating discussion, and providing assistance around PCIT dissemination, implementation, and sustainability within the community, especially in regards to policy.

Time out chair ideas