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Key ingredients of effective interventions

1. Parenting and family support

Parent education lies at the heart of parenting and family support programs, with the method of delivery varying from highly structured and time-limited “classes” facilitated by trained facilitators to recreational activities with parent education occurring incidentally.

A soft-entry approach is particularly important for engaging hard-to-reach families, where facilitated, peer-based activities are the basis for the development of trusting relationships between workers and clients, at which point clients are receptive to additional services and support. Indeed, much of the real value coming out of these parenting and family support programs goes beyond what is offered through the specific activities; it is the opportunity to build relationships and networks of support that can be of most benefit.

Minimal paperwork or documentation, self-referral and an open-door policy also appear important for engaging the most disenfranchised families. The provision of emotional support and individual support (therapeutic support, counselling, psychotherapy) are crucial to engaging hard-to-reach/high-risk families, as is practical support that is responsive to parent needs.

Co-locating services (e.g., near a universal service such as a baby health clinic, library or child care centre) was another important way of increasing knowledge about services and engaging hard-to-reach families in particular. Some services use outreach, such as approaching parents in schools and child care centres; approaching chemists, shopping centres and community events; and placing advertisements in community newsletters and flyers around town in shop windows and noticeboards.

Parenting support programs tend to offer a diverse range of services and activities to holistically and flexibly respond to the needs of parents. They use various modalities to deliver the services, and link families with other agencies to address additional needs. Indeed, all programs serve as a conduit for families to access other community services relevant to their needs. A whole-of-community approach is used in a number of programs, including co-location, resource sharing, referral protocols, consultations with community partners and active and innovative partnerships in service delivery.

Accessibility is another key practice ingredient. Location-wise, this means group activities are offered in well-known local community spaces that are accessible by public transport or on foot, and in environments that are “safe” or non-stigmatising, such as a school, park or football club. Free child care and interpreters help to encourage participation, as does the timing of the program (e.g., scheduling sessions during the day or after work, during the school term versus school holidays, depending on the needs of the clients).

The service emulates “going to granny’s place”, with each parent and their children welcomed and fussed over, parents are offered a cuppa and there is the opportunity for individual confidential catch-up … children and adults leave relaxed, listened to and cared about. (Project Manager, Partnerships with Parents)

Other elements that are important to effective service provision include undertaking consultations and regular needs assessments to ensure parenting topics remain relevant and programs continue to meet the needs of new clients (particularly important for services working with migrant families), and having appropriately skilled and qualified staff.

Source: Promising Practice Profiles: Final report (PDF 2.2 MB) (Soriano, Clark & Wise. 2008). p29

Key ingredients of effective interventions

1. Parenting and family support

List of key ingredients:

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