Parenting Support Mapping - What is being delivered in Wales, Children in Wales & Welsh Government Exercise

Dear colleague,

Children in Wales are supporting Welsh Government to carry out a mapping exercise of Parenting Support delivered in Wales, by circulating this request for information from Welsh Government.

By carrying out this exercise we (W.G) will be able to identify parenting interventions and parenting programmes used within Wales. We are already gathering information on what is being delivered via our funded programmes e.g. Families First and Flying Start. However, to gain a full picture we need to see what is being delivered by the third sector. To ensure that we do not double count interventions please only provide details of interventions delivered that are not funded by the Welsh Government and its funded programmes. 

Parenting Support services/interventions/programmes are included in the mapping exercise if they meet the following criteria: 

• are aimed at parents, or parents and children, but NOT those focusing on children alone;
• are for parents with 'children' in the age range of antenatal period to 18 years;
• aim to strengthen parenting capacity and reduce risks;
• enhance parenting skills;
• improve parent-child relationships and parent-parent relationships;
• strengthen parents' understanding and develop positive attitudes;
• increase parents' confidence in their parenting role; and
• increase parents' confidence and skills in providing a positive home learning environment and/or engagement in their child's education.

I would be grateful if you would complete the attached excel spreadsheet for the Parenting Support interventions that you are delivering by Friday 25^th April 2014, and return tohannah.sharp@childreninwales.org.uk.

To assist the completion of the proforma, the definitions of the parenting classifications are detailed below:

Evidence-based, group-based Structured Parenting Programmes

Evidence-based, group-based Structured Parenting Programmes are defined as those that are underpinned by a strong research evidence base, which demonstrates improved outcomes for children and families.  They should have a set start and end date and be closed to new entrants once started.  For example: Incredible Years Programme, Strengthening Families Programme

Informal Structured Group-based Parenting Support

Informal structured courses are defined as those with a structured curriculum and a set number of group-based sessions. They should have a set start and end date and be closed to new entrants once started.  For example: MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!),

Informal drop-in Support

Informal drop-in sessions are one-off events or a weekly session that families can join whenever they choose.  For example: Stay and Play sessions, fun days.

One-to-one support

One-to-one visits can be used to make initial contact with parents, make assessments, build relationships, encourage engagement and offer top up sessions. They can also be used to deliver structured evidence based parenting programmes such as NBAS (Neonatal Brazelton Assessment Scale), and Parenting Positively can also be delivered one-to-one in the home.

If you need any further information on completing the spreadsheet please contact Nicola Field at Welsh Government Nicola.Field@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Many thanks

Lynne

Lynne Hill
Policy Director/Cyfarwyddwr Polisi