Parenting and support oders - Parenting programmes

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Parenting programmes teach parents techniques to improve their child’s behaviour, and can be offered at the first sign of a problem. They are often part of a parenting contract or order. They can last eight-13 weeks, and help parents build good relationships with the child, using praise and incentives, and establishing consistent boundaries. Many parents seek help voluntarily, but if they do not want to, a parenting order can be used.

Does it work?

Let’s talk parenting is a YOT programme, which can be voluntary or compulsory. About 100 families took part in parenting programmes in the six months from September 2007 to March 2008. 

How it works

“The rules are okay. It’s better to have a mam that cares.” These are the words of 14-year-old Dean, who took part in parenting classes with mum Kathy.

Dean always seemed to be in trouble at school. He had started drinking alcohol and had come to the attention of the police. Through their family support worker they began a parenting programme, where they worked together on their relationship.  Kathy says things are now much better. She has house rules, which everyone keeps to, and Darren feels more able to control his behaviour. “The changes have been good,” he says.