The study findings indicate that PSBCT compared with individual therapy alone, showed effect sizes in parenting that approached the medium range across the 12-month followup period. These effect sizes are comparable to those found in other studies that favored family-based treatments over individual-based treatments for substance use. Similarly, the PSBCT group was the only group to experience observed decreases in the proportion of child protective services involvement at each followup period. Changes in parenting resulting from PSBCT apparently showed increases at each followup period compared to the other treatment conditions. Fathers' reports of parenting in the PSBCT condition revealed trends for slightly stronger effects than mothers on measures of overreactive parenting and parental monitoring, although the differences were not significant. This study is an important next step toward establishing PSBCT as a treatment approach that enhances effects on parenting skills beyond those produced by secondary spillover effects of Behavioral Couples Therapy alone. Thirty male participants who entered outpatient alcohol treatment, their female partners, and a custodial child (8-12 years old) were randomly assigned to BCT Behavioral Couples Therapy alone; or IBT (individual-based treatment). Children were not actively involved in the treatment program. Parents completed measures of substance use; couples' dyadic adjustment; partner violence; parenting; and child protection service involvement at pretreatment, post treatment, and 6-month and 12-month followup. 5 tables, 1 note, and 65 references